Römischer Steinbruch Spitzelofen, Denkmalgeschütztes Objekt in Sankt Georgen im Lavanttal (34812)
The Römischer Steinbruch Spitzelofen is an ancient marble quarry near Sankt Georgen im Lavanttal in Austria, dating back over 2000 years. The site displays several open pits with rock walls bearing traces of Roman tools, and unfinished marble blocks left behind when work ceased abruptly.
The quarry served as a marble extraction site for the Roman region of Noricum in ancient times. Its sudden abandonment is connected to the migration period in Europe, which explains the numerous unfinished blocks left throughout the site.
The quarry's name comes from the sharp rock formations and sunny slopes that define the landscape. Roman inscriptions carved into the stone walls show that workers called upon gods for protection while laboring in this remote mountain location.
The site can be reached by forest road or via a longer hike from above, requiring sturdy footwear for the terrain. The location features a broad terrace that provides good vantage points and remains accessible in various weather conditions.
Local folklore tells of an underground tunnel beneath the quarry that supposedly served as a hiding place, yet treasure hunters from the 1800s found nothing of value despite their efforts. The tale reveals how imagination surrounded such places across generations.
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