Montevecchio: The Hollow Lead Mine Underground

Montevecchio: The Hollow Lead Mine Underground

From the modern industrial mining activity starting in 1842 to 1991, Montevecchio's lead mines drew entrepreneurs and laborers. Now, you can tour its extensive network.

Montevecchio, located in the south west of Sardinia, is one of the most ancient mining sites in Italy. As per the records, the extraction of minerals in the area of Montevecchio dates back to the 1840s, thanks to the arrival of entrepreneurs such as Giovanni Antonio Pischedda and Giovanni Antonio Sanna. Subsequently, the Montecatini company took over the extractive activities. At its height, the mining area was inhabited by more than 3000 people. The mines of Montevecchio stopped their activities in 1991. The mines of Montevecchio are now an important site of industrial archaeology, part of the Parco Geominerario Storico ed Ambientale della Sardegna. Today, visitors can tour the extensive network of tunnels and shafts, gaining a unique glimpse into Sardinia's mining past.

Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Sardinian

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