CERKNO & IDRIJA - Hg Mine, Castle Gewerkenegg, Last miner's house - SLOVENIA 2020

IDRIJA - Hg Mine, Castle Gewerkenegg & Miner’s house

ANTONI’S DITCH - Antoni’s ditch was excavated in 1500 and is the oldest preserved mine entrance in Europe. Today through Antoni’s ditch visitors enter the underground world of the second largest mercury mine in the world.

The guide takes you to hidden underground corners with precious cinnabar ore and drops of native mercury, and to a unique underground chapel. Here we can experience 240 million years of geological past.

Antoni’s ditch lies in the northwestern part of Slovenia, a good hour drive from Ljubljana, Nova Gorica or Skofja Loka. The entrance to Antoni’s ditch is in the old city centre of Idrija.

Antoni’s ditch is suitable for individuals, families and groups. Tour lasts for an hour and half and has a 1200 m (3937 ft) long trail. The lowest point is 96 m (314 ft) below the surface. Visitors get protective covers and helmets. Suitable footwear is recommended. The temperature in the mine is 13°C.

Guided visits at 10am, 12am, 2pm and 3pm.

CASTLE GEWERKENEGG - The castle was built in the 16th century for the need of defence, mining administration and storage of mercury. Today it houses the Idrija Municipal Museum. The Museum tells the 500 years old story about the history of the mercury mine and the town of Idrija, giving all insides into the hard everyday life of the miners, embellished by social and cultural life and the snow-white lace their women were making for extra income.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday: 10am - 5pm

IDRIJA MINER’S HOUSE - Not far from the city centre of Idrija we can find one of the last miner’s houses. Houses like that shaped the image of the city, reflecting the working class. Surrounded with gardens it settled 3 families with 18 members, which makes it a forerunner of the housing blocks.

The tenants had to help with all major housework, such as preparing wood and cleaning the septic tank. Miner's life was humble and that can be seen also in the house. The lack of space for sleeping forced families to imaginatively exploit other house equipment for this purpose.

A visit to the Idrija miner’s house and it’s furnished family apartments with photographs of old days in Idrija will take you to the humble everyday life of miners.

MUSIC: MBB - Arrival (Non Copyrighted Background Music, Free Vlog Music)
   • MBB - Arrival (Non Copyrighted Background ...