Muelle de carga de la estación de Madrid (Li-Fer-02)

Muelle de carga de la estación de Madrid (Li-Fer-02) is a historic railway building in Linares, in the province of Jaén, now repurposed as a center dedicated to the city's mining past. Listed in the local railway heritage inventory under the code Li-Fer-02, it stands as one of the key remaining witnesses to the era when Linares was one of Europe's largest lead-mining hubs.

What was the Madrid Station?

Also known as "Estación de Madrid" or "Linarejos," the building served as a muelle de carga — a loading dock and freight warehouse attached to the railway station, from which ore and other goods tied to the region's mining industry were shipped out. It was built in 1925, with the design attributed to Narciso Clavería. Its architecture reflects the industrial spirit of the period: a simple, functional layout suited to the heavy freight traffic generated by mining activity in Linares and across the wider Linares-La Carolina Mining District.

After decades of decline, the building underwent a major restoration between 1994 and 1997. The adjoining former passenger station was rehabilitated at the same time and now houses, among other things, the city's social welfare department and the municipal council chamber. Together, the complex has become a good example of industrial heritage successfully adapted for public use.

What will you find inside?

The old loading dock now houses the Centro de Interpretación del Paisaje Minero de Linares — the Mining Landscape Interpretation Center. Its permanent exhibition walks visitors through the history of lead mining in Linares itself and across the historic Linares-La Carolina Mining District, one of Spain's most significant mining basins of the 19th and 20th centuries. Displays cover extraction techniques, miners' working conditions, and how the industry shaped the growth of the city.

The center doubles as a tourist information point for visitors planning to explore Linares' mining trails and heritage sites, and its multipurpose room hosts occasional talks and temporary exhibitions.

How to get there?

The building sits on Pasaje Virgen de Linarejos, s/n, 23700 Linares (Jaén), a short distance from the town center and the former railway station complex. Given its nature as former railway infrastructure, the easiest way to reach it is on foot or by car from central Linares — a walk from the main square typically takes just a few minutes.

When to visit?

As an information and education venue, the interpretation center operates on the standard hours of the local tourist office. It's worth checking current opening hours by phone or email in advance, especially outside the main tourist season.

Frequently asked questions

What does the code Li-Fer-02 mean? It's a catalog number from Linares' local railway heritage inventory — indicating the second entry in the "Ferrocarril" (railway) category of that register.

Is this an active railway station? No. The building lost its transport function and was converted into a cultural and information center focused on local mining history.

What can you see at the interpretation center? A permanent exhibition on the history of lead mining in Linares and the Linares-La Carolina Mining District, along with tourist information for visitors exploring the city.

Are there other mining-related sites nearby? Yes — Linares is known for its extensive surviving mining and railway infrastructure, and the center at the former muelle de carga is a good starting point for exploring it, since it provides on-site tourist information.

Contact: turismo@aytolinares.es, phone 953 607 812.