Mines Museum
Montecatini Val di Cecina (PI)
The Montecatini Val di Cecina mine is an ancient copper mine located about one kilometer from the historic center. Remaining active until 1907, it was the largest copper mine in Europe during the 19th century. This is where the Montecatini company, one of Europe's largest industries, was founded, later merging with the famous Montedison. For visitors, it is an opportunity to take a fascinating journey to learn about mining techniques and the stories of the miners. Today, visitors can admire the 19th-century mining structures, the former washing facilities, part of the tunnels that can be explored on foot, and the former management offices.
THE MUSEUM IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
CONTACTS
Mine Secretariat — Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. / 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Itinera Secretariat - Monday to Friday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. / 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
(+39) 0588 31026
(+39) 0586 894563
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The visit itinerary
Starting from the first extraction well of the 30s of the nineteenth century, we will go up to its symbol tower, the Alfredo well with its 320 meters depth and its extraction system with tubs still intact.
After passing through the old carpentry we then enter the fascinating underground world and can explore a part of the main gallery also known as "belly of the whale".
After visiting the ex management offices and the laboratory for chemical analyses, the guided tour of the Mining Park will end outdoors in the premises of the ex-mineral washing plant.
It is also possible to walk along the route of the Mine Descent, the access tunnel to the mine's underground, on defined days and times: a 200 small steps route that reaches a depth of about 100 metres.
Types of guided tours
Guided tour of the Mining Park
The route does not present any particular difficulties. Suitable for all adults and children of at least 4 years of age. It is compulsory to wear closed shoes and to bring something to cover oneself when walking through the gallery. There are stairs along the route. Small dogs may enter but must be held during the gallery tour.
Guided tour of the Mining Park and Mine Descent
For up to 8 people.
In addition to visiting the Mining Park the itinerary includes a descent via, a staircase to a depth of about 100 metres (mine descent). The route is not accessible to persons with reduced mobility or those unable to move independently; it is only accessible to children aged 12 and over if accompanied by at least one adult. It is mandatory to wear trekking shoes and to bring something to cover oneself for walking through the gallery. Animals are not allowed.
Guided tour of the Mining Park, Wind Farm, Muraglione Dam and Oratory of Santa Barbara
Itinerary of historical-naturalistic interest. During the route it will be possible to observe both the first public-owned wind farm placed on the hills overlooking the mine at an altitude of about 600 meters and the Muraglione dam, a complex for damming the water necessary for washing the extracted mineral, reopened to the public since April 2023 and set in a beautiful natural habitat. The itinerary also includes a visit to the Oratory of Santa Barbara, of which the earliest records date back to 1660 dedicated to the cult of the Madona of Caporciano. Rebuilt in 1789, in 1842 the oratory was dedicated to the patron saint of miners, Santa Barbara. Inside is the painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a valuable work by Mexican painter Juan Rodríguez Xuárez.
Guided tour by reservation only for groups of minimum 20 participants.
Costo Adulti € 15.00 - Ragazzi dai 6 ai 12 anni € 10.00
Italiano