Traditional olive oil mill by the Marta Gorge, now an ethnographic museum.
Municipality
Valdastillas
Suggested visit time
Not available
Access
Mixed
The Tío Alicio Oil Mill is a traditional olive oil mill located near the Garganta de Marta waterfall, close to the village of Valdastillas. It operated between 1900 and 1981 using the power of water from the mountain stream to drive the waterwheel and presses used in oil production. Built with local stone, the building still preserves parts of the original machinery and structures associated with the pressing process. In 1992 it was restored and adapted as a small ethnographic museum that illustrates the traditional olive oil production of the Jerte Valley. Its location, surrounded by alder trees and lush riverside vegetation, makes it a common stop for visitors exploring the Garganta de Marta area.
Address
Carretera entre Valdastillas y Cabrero, junto a la Garganta de Marta (Cáceres)
From Valdastillas, take the signposted detour towards the Marta Gorge and follow a track and path descending through cherry orchards to the bottom of the gorge. A wide dirt path leads directly to the Lagar del Tío Alicio building, located beside the stream, and it is usually visited as part of the waterfall route including Marta, Caozo, and Calderón.
The mill can be visited year-round as part of the routes through the Marta Gorge, being especially recommended in autumn, winter, and spring, when the flow of the gorge and nearby waterfalls is higher. In summer, the area can be warmer, although it still remains a pleasant complement to walks in the surroundings.
BAJA
Resource access level
It is recommended to visit the mill as part of a hiking route through the Marta Gorge, wearing comfortable footwear and respecting both the building and the natural surroundings. It is advisable to check locally for guided visit options or interior access if a more detailed understanding of the traditional oil production process is desired.
The access path may be damp and slippery after rainy periods, so caution is advised, especially near the stream. Visitors should not climb on structures or handle the preserved machinery to avoid accidents and damage to the heritage.