Důl Drkolnov, Silver and lead mining complex in Příbram, Czech Republic.
Důl Drkolnov is a silver and lead mining complex in Příbram with a distinctive shaft building of stone masonry, decorative corner detailing, and a gabled roof at its main entrance. The site contains underground passages and chambers spread across multiple levels, revealing the mining techniques and operations of the 19th century.
The mine began operations in 1836 under the name August, honoring Prince August Longin Josef Lobkowicz, and became a major extraction site in the region. It remained active through much of the 19th century and played an important role in Příbram's development as a mining center.
The name comes from a storage house that once stood at this location, and the shaft building displays typical 19th-century industrial architecture with solid stone walls and functional window openings. Visitors can observe the sturdy structures that were built to support mining operations of that era.
Access to the site is through the main shaft building, and visitors should expect cool, damp conditions in the underground areas. The complex is accessible through scheduled hours managed by the Mining Museum of Příbram, so it is best to check beforehand.
Deep within the mine sits a striking steel water wheel about 12 meters in diameter, installed in the early 1890s to help manage underground flooding. This mechanical system was crucial for keeping the deeper shafts dry enough for miners to work safely and access richer ore deposits.
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