Mercury Mining IdrijaWhat do you know about mercury mining? Nothing? Then it’s time to take a trip to Idrija, home to the world's second greatest reserves of cinnabar, a mineral from which mercury is extracted.
Great family experienceExperience mercury mining in a dark underground world. That’s what me and my family did in summer 2008 and we were impressed by the well-maintained mine which is an attraction for young and old. We recommend the tour especially on a rainy day or when the weather is extremely hot. The temperature in the mine is about 15 degrees.translations availableBefore your descend you will see a multivision show, where you will learn some historical facts about the 500 year old history of one of the largest quicksilver mines of all times. Idrija is one of the rare places worldwide where mercury exists in both as cinnabar (mercury sulfide) ore or in its elemental liquid state. By the way, for english or german speaking people translation is available.Some Facts about MercuryMercury is the only liquid metal on the globe. When cooled to - 38,9 °C it becomes solid as steel and can be forged. Because of its extreme density - 1 litre of mercury weights as much as 13,56 kg - a steel ball can easily float in it.Because of its exceptional qualities, mercury was wildly used in extraction of gold and silver, in medicine, cosmetics, detistry, the chemical and military industries and agriculture. Enter a fascinating underground world
Armed with green overcoats and helmets and with the hearty miner's greeting - "srecno" what means "good luck", we entered the mysterious underground world. The interesting commentary of a guide (a Slovenian student who spoke English fluently), helped us to understand the underground facts.Anthony's ShaftThe shaft mine entrance in the subterran is called Anthony's Shaft or slovene - Antonijev rov.The tour lead us through the oldest part of the mercury mine but only through the upper levels. 
Anthony's Main road began to be dug in 1500. Initially, wood supports were used. In 1766, it was lined with limestone blocks and transformed into an ovalshaped main raod.Supported in this way, it served for more than 200 years as an entrance Main Road through which miners descended into the pit in the early morning. 
Along the way we were introduced to varous jobs in the mine, transport and unloading of ore, woodworking and backfilling of shafts.We saw life-sized models of workers which demonstrate parts of the very hard work. After toilsome work the miners took a short break on the bench and had their lunch from home in a bag. 
The benches were placed close to their work places. Miners brought their lunch from home in a bag. It consisted of: bread and "zoc" (barely coffee), on rare occasion even bacon. These lunch breaks were filled with numeruous anecdotess, jokes and even hoaxes. The levels below, (up to 400 meters below the surface) are actually being remediated and are no longer active. 18th century underground ChapelA special highlight is the 18 th century underground chapel which was built on the spot where mercury was first found.
The tour lasts one hour and thirty minutes. It is a lighted circular route with length of approx. 1200 meter. You will have to walk a height difference of 22 meters. That’s why we recommend to use good footwear eg. Sport shoes! Children discover the mine elfYou will see droplets of the only liquid metal in the world and especially your children will explore the hideout of the mischievous mine elf "Berkmandlc".Opening hours:Monday – Friday: 10.00 and 16.00 o’clockSaturday, Sunday: 10.00, 15.00 and 16.00 o’clock Special Tip: Castle Gewerkenegg
In the beautiful arched courtyard cultural events and summer festivals take place. back from "this" page to Postojna Slovenia back from "mercury mining" page to All Slovenia Holidays
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