Bergwerk Goldene Sonne, Historic gold mine in Grisons, Switzerland.
Bergwerk Goldene Sonne is a historic gold mine in Grisons with multiple tunnels carved into the mountainside at about 1200 meters elevation. The upper tunnel network forms an intricate system of passages that extend deep into the mountain.
In 1803, locksmith Vincenz Schneller discovered gold in rocks that fell from Calanda mountain and founded a mining company as a result. The mine workings were developed during the early 19th century that followed.
The mine's name reflects the miners' hope of finding wealth in these mountains. Visitors can still see the marks and tools left behind from their work in the tunnels.
A visit to the mine requires a guided tour and proper safety equipment to explore the tunnels safely. Visitors should be prepared for tight passages and uneven ground inside the mountain.
Between 1803 and 1807, workers extracted a total of about 2.5 kilograms of gold from the mountain, with the largest piece weighing around 125 grams. Though modest in amount, this gold proved the miners' hopes were not entirely unfounded.
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