Anthony's Shaft Mining Museum
Mining history in the town of Idrija in western Slovenia dates back to 1490. Until World War I, Idrija's Mercury Mine was one of the best technically equipped mines in Europe and the town was so famous that its name was used in North America for New Idria's mining town. In 1986, it was decided to close the mine for commercial, geological, and ecological purposes. It finally closed in 1995 but some of its shafts and facilities are still open for tourists. Travelers can tour a part of the closed mine, known as Anthony's Shaft Mining Museum, and learn about the difficult conditions that mercury miners endured from the late 15th century to the late 20th century.
The tour of the shaft begins in an 18th-century building called the Selstev House which now serves as a museum, education center, and entry point for tours into the mine itself. The entrance depicts one of the oldest preserved mine entries in Europe. Professional guides will take you through shafts and light galleries, where you will see demonstrations of mining jobs and a unique underground chapel. You will probably get a raincoat at the beginning of the tour but be prepared for the cool underground temperatures.
Location: Idrija
