Part of the old gold mines at Minas de Avelan
Until this week, the filming of Ridley Scott’s epic film “Exodus” starring Christian Bale and Sigourney Weaver has been taking place in the desert of Tabernas, but we read in the press that this week they would filming near Rodalquilar, although of course the exact locations are not revealed. We surmised that the sets would be at the old gold mine workings, Minas de Avelan, as these cannot be seen from any road, nor from the track that leads from Rodalquilar to Cortijo del Fraile.
The set of Exodus yesterday evening
Yesterday afternoon, we decided to check it out and were right. We came across a massive film set. We could not get nearer the set as this was further up the hillside and filming appeared to have finished for the day.
Approaching the mines
Today, we thought we would take another look and approached the location on foot along the path – one of our favourite botanical walks – above Cortijo del Fraile. We met some other wakers, a British couple who are here for two months enjoying the wonderful walks and scenery of the Parque Natural.
Deserted set
When we arrived at the mines, we were disappointed to find them deserted. Just a few signs indicated that they had been filming there.
Dramatic scenery around the gold mines
Reading the local paper this evening, we have been informed that they have stopped filming for a couple of days due to rain being forecast for this afternoon and tomorrow. Perhaps the stars will return with the sun on Friday, or filming here may have been completed. Nevertheless, we and our dogs enjoyed our walk and the scenery.
About Margaret Merry
I grew up in Falmouth, Cornwall, England where, after leaving Falmouth High School, I spent a year at Falmouth School of Art. Then followed three years at Hornsey College of Art in London where I obtained a Diploma in Art and Design. I then spent a post-graduate year at the West of England College of Art in Bristol where I gained an Art Teacher?s Diploma and a Certificate in Education of the University of Bristol. I lived and worked in Truro for over 30 years and became one of Cornwall's most popular artists. My paintings have been exhibited in New York, Tokyo, Paris and London and have been bought by collectors from all over the world. I have published 4 books which became local bestsellers - 'The Natural History of a Westcountry City', 'Margaret Merry's Cornish Garden Sketchbook', 'Sea & Sail' and 'Tidal Reaches'.
In 2002 I moved to Spain and now live pn a small farmer the town of Alhabia in the Alpujarra Almeriense in the Province of Almeria. I now get my inspiration from the dramatic scenery of Andalucia and its old cities, towns and villages which I usually capture in watercolour.
I also enjoy portraiture and figurative art, particularly nudes and dancers. For these paintings I use artists' soft pastels.
I have written and illustrated 3 children's books - The Wise Old Boar, The Lonely Digger and The Adventure of Princess The Pony - which have been published in the USA.
Country Life in Spain 
Hi Margaret,
Did you notice i had a laugh at the news in EWNews after there was a thunder storm & hailstones last week when the emergency services had to rescue everyone from the set as they were flooded out!! You would think they would know the story from the bible when the red sea parted then closed in & drowned all the israelites???They are filming EXODUS after all!!!
This happened about two weeks ago. We were under cloudless skies on the coast but saw the flashes of lightning over the mountains. The Spanish Foreign Legion, whose barracks are nearby, came to the rescue and are now accompanying the crews in case they do anything else silly. Everyone in Andalucia should know that you do not hang around in a rambla during a storm.
Great detective work! I hope you eventually get to see some action. I would imagine the film wouldn’t be in theaters for quite some time?