Tarnowskie Góry Mine (Historic Silver Mine)

50º 25' 32'' N 18º 50' 58'' E

Tarnowskie Góry, Silesian Voivodeship

Poland

Description

The Historic Silver mine or Tanowskie Góry mine counts with one of the best and most eminent Underground Water Management System and has been declared World Heritage.

Extracted Materials

Lead

Silver

Zinc

Galena

Antropological info

This Poland region has always been a known by its mining activity, but it was during the 16^th century when it became one of the main mining industrial centres of Poland. In the 17^th century, miners dug deeper which caused flooding problems and draining methods were not efficient enough. Thirty Year’s War made the problem worse. Epidemics, fires, collapse and armies caused the industry to decrease its production.

Silesia was taken over by Prussia during the 18^th century, and the mining activity was resumed. The drilling of the shafts began in 1783, and one year later a lead and silver deposit was found in the “Rudolfina”, “Opal” and “Lyszczonek” shafts. Nevertheless, the flooding problem continued. In 1787 the first steam engine was brought from Wales and water was successfully removed, allowing miners to extract the ore. In was the first steam machine installed in Silesia.

The depletion of galena caused the mine to cease its activity at the beginning of the 20^th century.

Sociologal info

In 2004 the president of Poland declared the mine a Historic Monument. In 2014 the mine became a part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage. In 2017, the Historic Silver Mine and its Underground Management System was inscribed to the UNESCO Heritage List.

Archaeological info

The miners dug more than 20,000 shafts and 150 kilometres of corridors during four centuries.

Sustainable tourism insights

Tarnowskie Góry is an industrial eminence that everyone should visit. The mine offers guided tours, and features a mining museum. The underground waters allow visitors to travel the mines on boats. 

Environment sustainability

The mines have been declared World Heritage and are now protected by different legislation.

Creativity insights/curiosities

The name “Tarnowskie Góry” has an interesting genesis. The first word comes from “Tarnowice”, the nearby village where deposits of galena were found. The word “Góry” means “mountains”.

Links of interest

https://kopalniasrebra.pl/