Mining Museum
Montecatini Val di Cecina (PI)
The largest mine in Europe in the 19th century
An experience in which historical knowledge translates into sensory engagement, transforming the visit into an authentic journey of discovery.
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
From April 1 to September 30
From Thursday to Sunday
From October 1 to March 31
Saturday and Sunday
Special openings
January 1, January 6, Easter, Easter Monday, April 25, May 1, June 2, August 15, November 1, December 8, December 26
Visits and scheduled events
Alfredo Shaft, tunnels, and former workshops. Suitable for everyone, adults and children aged 4 and above.
Visit to the Park and Mine decline
Alfredo Shaft, tunnels, former workshops, and mine decline. For adults and children aged 12 and over accompanied by an adult.
Visita guidata, concerto e aperitivo. Un pomeriggio speciale tra storia, musica e gusto.
The guided tour route
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.
Discounts
Groups and families
Discount codes for groups and families can be found on the page dedicated to guided tours.
AT employees and subscribers
10% discount for employees and subscribers of Autolinee Toscane applicable to guided tours of the Park and the Discenderia.
The events
Cultural
and food and wine festival
Events dedicated to promoting local food and wine production and cultural initiatives.
Italiano