In the heart of the Montaña Palentina —a mountainous area in northern Spain known for its natural beauty and mining heritage— the former Casa del Pueblo of Vallejo de Orbó hosted this Wednesday the official launch of A Mine of Stories, a national initiative aiming to open a new path for sustainable development in post-mining rural areas. The project represents a unique opportunity to rethink the future of the countryside through innovation, culture, and community engagement.
Led by the Brañosera Town Council and Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, A Mine of Stories will run for eight months and reach various mining communities in the region, including Brañosera, Valberzoso, Salcedillo, and Orbó.
A key component of the project is its training programme, which includes eight intensive courses of at least 40 hours. These combine theoretical learning, technical visits, and practical workshops. They are aimed at tourist guides, heritage professionals, rural entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in developing new initiatives in their local area. Topics will range from industrial heritage interpretation to the design of tourism experiences, digital marketing, and the use of emerging technologies.
INFODEF contributes to the delivery of this training programme, building on its background in education, heritage, and sustainable tourism. Its participation in A Mine of Stories highlights its commitment to educational innovation as a tool for community-based rural regeneration.
In addition to the Brañosera Town Council, the initiative involves the collaboration of KOAN Consulting, Patrimonio Global, Radio Viajera, Geocyl, and Enredadas con el Patrimonio, as well as close ties with local associations such as ARPI and the Montaña Palentina Local Action Group.
More information at https://www.unaminadehistorias.com
Some news published about the event: https://cadenaser.com/castillayleon/2025/05/22/el-patrimonio-minero-se-convierte-en-motor-de-futuro-para-la-montana-palentina-radio-palencia/
