Idrija mine, Mercury mine in Idrija, Slovenia
The Idrija mine is a mercury mine beneath the town with approximately 700 kilometers of tunnels, representing one of Europe's most extensive mining networks. The shafts reach deep underground and show different extraction techniques developed across various periods.
Mercury was discovered in Idrija in 1490 when a barrel maker found liquid metal in a creek, launching centuries of mining. This discovery shaped the region's economy and development for hundreds of years.
Mining shaped how people lived and worked in Idrija, with families passing down skills through generations. This deep connection to the mines remains visible in how locals talk about their town's identity and history.
Access to the tunnels is through Anthony's Shaft, Europe's oldest preserved mine entrance, where guided tours show different sections. Visitors should prepare for cool underground temperatures and wear sturdy shoes.
The deposit here contains mercury in both pure liquid form and cinnabar ore, a combination found in few other mercury sites worldwide. This unusual mix made extraction technically complex and noteworthy.
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