The Antrona Valley is known above all for its woods, large dams and lakes.
But there is not only "blue gold" (water that generates energy): in the bowels of its mountains there are other treasures!
There is gold, the yellow one, that glitters!
The gold mining activity in the Antrona Valley seems to have ancient origins but the exploitation became industrial starting from the second half of the nineteenth century with the excavation of numerous tunnels (over 200 mines and exploratory excavations) and the creation of entire villages of miners. The exploitation of the gold veins ended immediately after the Second World War.
The Taglione Mine is one of the many gold extraction sites.
The visit to the Taglione Mine is carried out only by the light of the headlamp mounted on the helmet, thus creating an emotional experience, always accompanied by mining guides. The gallery, thanks to the displays, allows us to talk about the methods of gold extraction and processing and bring to life the harsh working conditions of the miners underground. The presence of some evidence of the frequenting of the mine after the end of the mining activity allows us to tell important and at the same time touching moments of the local history of Ossola.
The visit lasts a total of 1h 30', with an outdoor introduction and an underground viewing route of approximately 1km (round trip); it is suitable for everyone (children from 3-4 years old) and the Guides will be able to adapt the language and contents to different types of audiences to keep everyone's interest alive (capacity of between 12 and 15 people maximum). The visit will be conducted in Italian.
Inside the Mine there are around 8°-10° C and more than 80% humidity: warm clothing is therefore essential (short trousers prohibited, sweatshirt/fleece and waterproof/windproof jacket mandatory) and trekking shoes.
The organization reserves the right not to allow access to those who show up for the visit without the appropriate clothing.
The mine can be reached via an easy path in about 30 minutes of walking from the car park located in Prabernardo (fraction of Antrona Schieranco): the difference in altitude from the car park to the mine is about 200 meters for just over 1km of distance.
The path is easy and well signposted, but not suitable for those with walking problems.
The meeting point for visits is directly at the mine.
Dogs (or other animals) are not allowed in the mine and it is not possible to leave them alone outside.
There are no toilets near the mine.
Info about opening and reservation on www.minieradeltaglione.it
