In the Val di Tinne, a remote valley near the Villandro Alp, the St. Elizabeth Gallery is located, which is still accessible today
Image gallery: Villandro Silver Mine
It was the year 1130 when the "mons argenti", the Silver Mountain of Villandro, was first mentioned. At that time it was given to the Augustinian Monastery of Novacella near Bressanone. Barbarossa confirmed this donation in Venice in 1177, which guaranteed the newly founded monastery good income. Even a fortress was built a bit later at the foot of the mine to protect it. The Villandro Silver Mine experienced its heyday in the 16th century. The area was also one of the most important ore mining areas in Tyrol in the Middle Ages.
Initially in search of precious metals such as gold and silver, the intentions became more realistic over time. The miners, whose life expectancy at that time was not more than 40 years, confined themselves to the search for copper, pyrite and zinc. The main extraction area of the Villandro or Fundres Mine, "Rotlahn", was developed over the centuries by numerous galleries, first those at higher altitudes and then some below. The mountain was downright perforated by a network of 25 km of tracks. In the 20th century the mine was abandoned and fell into oblivion.
A few years ago the St. Elizabeth and St. Lawrence Galleries were extensively restored. Today the Cultural and Museum Association of Villandro offers interesting guided tours that take you on a journey into the past in one of the few mines of South Tyrol. And how to reach the Villandro Silver Mine? From the "Mühlele" tavern towards Lazfons starts a beautiful but demanding hike, which first leads to the miners' church of St. Anna at 1,133 m a.s.l. and then further on to the mine (2.5 hours). The views on the Dolomites are unique. Alternatively, there is a parking space 300 m below the gallery in the locality of Oberland, along the road up to the famous Villandro Alp.
Contact info
- Oberland 36 - 39040 - Villandro / Villanders
- +39 345 3115 661
- info@bergwerk.it
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
tour to the St. Elizabeth Gallery:
€ 11.00 adults
€ 9.00 groups (15 and more persons)
€ 9.00 seniors 65+
€ 9.00 students 18+
€ 5.00 children and students (6-18 years)
€ 5.00 school classes (6-18 years, on reservation)
€ 9.00 school classes (18+ years, on reservation)
€ 25.00 family ticket (2 adults with children under 15 years)
free for children under 6 years
discount with the Museumcard
discount with the ChiusaCard
tour to the St. Elizabeth and St. Lawrence Galleries:
€ 17.00 adults
€ 15.00 groups (15 and more persons)
€ 15.00 seniors 65+
€ 15.00 students 18+
€ 9.00 children and students (6-18 years)
€ 38.00 family ticket (2 adults with children under 15 years)
More information
The Villandro Silver Mine is accessible only during a guided tour (approx. 1.5 hours): guided tour to the St. Elizabeth Gallery every Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm, Sunday at 10.30 am. Reservation not needed. The guided tour to the St. Elizabeth and St. Lawrence Galleries is offered in July and August, every Wednesday at 10.30 am, or on reservation.
Warm clothing and sturdy shoes are necessary, the temperature inside is a constant 8 degrees C. Special guided tours are possible also during the winter months (on request).
The mine stays open from the end of April to the end of October, season start 2024 on April 25.