The Vale de Milhaços Gunpowder Factory (VMGF) selected by Europa Nostra for 7ME 2026.

VMGF, in the municipality of Seixal and under its management, is an heritage site with approximately 13000 square meters, classified as monument of public interest. Its buildings, machinery  and other equipment were installed between the end of the 19th century (1896-1898) and the beginning of the 20th century, operating with steam power, until 2002, for the production of gunpowder, used for mining and construction rather than warfare.

The heritage site retains original buildings, workshops and century-old steam machinery.  Until today, the know-how for the maintenance and operational conservation of a steam generator, the steam engine, and part of the mechanical power transmission system has been preserved as a living heritage.

Along with the historical and technological value of the site, it has recognized of ecological and environmental value. Surrounded by urban areas or in the process of urbanization, VMGF constitutes an important space for biodiversity, with more than 680 species inventoried, since 2020, by Associação Vita Nativa.

This dual industrial and environmental character makes the site distinctive in Europe’s post-industrial heritage landscape.

However, urgent action is needed: structural deterioration, vandalism and invasive vegetation now place both the buildings and their historic machinery at critical risk.

In the short term, measures must be taken to mitigate the state of disrepair of the buildings and protect the moveable heritage.