Article Skalka mine
Accessible iron ore mine near Prague
There is an extensive underground mine under the northern edge of the town of Mníšek pod Brdy. Iron ore was mined here until 1966. It is a unique technical work secured by rolled vaults of concrete reinforcement, which has no analogues in our country in its scope and architectural interest.
The mine is currently closed, but it is possible to visit it by prior arrangement. Under expert supervision, it is possible to ride the mining train, walk through the corridors and learn about the history and technology of mining. The entrance to the mine is in the area of the former Kovohutí in Mníšek pod Brdy.
The history and present of the mine
Iron ore has been mined in this place since the days of the Celts. The first documented document relating to deep mining dates from 1746. After 1824, the mine was owned by the family of Count Colloredo-Mansfeld. Until 1852, surface and deep mining was carried out, and the ore was processed in Stará Huta near Dobříš. In 1938, the Pražská železářská společnost became the owner. Due to the increased demand for iron during the Second World War, mining was significantly expanded and the boom continued after 1948. From 1966, the deposit was mined and the surrounding area was gradually rehabilitated. Currently, the mine is accessible to tourists, a tour must be ordered in advance.
Mine tours
The tour is not physically demanding, as you walk along gravel paths. The temperature here is stable around 11 degrees. However, it is necessary to move carefully and wear a helmet, which the organizer lends. For safety reasons, it is absolutely necessary to follow all the instructions of the guide.
Mining train ride
A visit to the mine is combined with a ride on an authentic mine train. The route is 1.5 km long.
150 meters below the surface
During the tour, visitors will reach below the place where the Mary Magdalene church is built on the Brda ridge in the baroque area of Skalka. At this point, it is located about 150 meters below the surface.
Montana company
The current owner and manager of the mine is the Montánní spolecnost os The mine company maintains, reconstructs the equipment and provides tours. In addition, it also ensures the study, documentation and protection of monuments of mining history. Of course, it also owns the authorization for mining activities and activities carried out in a mining manner.
The Montánní společnost acquired the mine in 2004, and after 10 years of hard work, they managed to partially open the mine to the public.
Mine corridors
Visitors walk on the 16th floor of the mine. Another 20 floors below them are currently flooded with groundwater.
Underground mining exhibition
As part of the tour, you can also see an exhibition of mining equipment, tools and devices. The original mining toilet attracts the most attention.
Excavation site
It is also possible to see the place where the ore was mined. Here, among other things, you can see the equipment used to pour the ore into the carts.
Control room
The engine room of the mining machine will allow visitors to imagine the difficulty of working underground and the complexity of mining equipment and their operators.
Wind pit
The necessary air supply to the mine is provided by means of a ventilation shaft more than 70 meters deep.
Saint Barbara
Along the way, visitors will also see a statue of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners. On the day of her feast day (December 4th), the miners left kahans burning in the tunnels overnight, to protect against death and injuries – the so-called Barbora's light.
Church of St. Mary Magdalene
Church of St. Máří Magdaleny from 1693, located directly above the mine, is a dominant feature of the Brda ridge. Now the church, together with the entire baroque area, has been beautifully reconstructed. On the wall of the small church, you can see how it was damaged as a result of the subsidence of the ground caused by undermining.
