Numerous mining galleries have been dug in the Canigou massif. The exploitation of iron mines would have started in the 10th century to reach its peak in the 19th century before being abandoned in the middle of the 20th century.
The drum is the last witness of the industrial era of the 19th and 20th centuries in the Eastern Pyrenees. On the way to the drum, you can see many gallery entrances.
The drum is a wooden winch used to transport iron ore in wagons. While the drum, the architecture supporting it and a piece of cable can still be seen and have been restored, the motorization system of the drum, electric motor, diesel, steam or animal traction has long since disappeared.
The building was restored and a piece of cable was put back in place to understand the system.
Next to the drum there is a gallery entrance that has been filled in. Along the path leading to the drum, numerous gallery entrances are also visible.
Note: the large quantity of iron in the subsoil was blamed for the many plane crashes that occurred on the Canigou before the advent of electronics.
The Drum of Sahorre
66360 Sahorre
