Mine of Cludinico
Explore the tunnels of the former coal mine
About this place
A very original trip allows visitors to explore the Cludinico mine, passing through more than 2 km of tunnels illuminated, for the most part, by only the light of the flashlight on the helmet. A speleological guide leads to the discovery of mining processes, coal veins and the ancient miner’s craft. The secrets of the mine are gradually revealed in the 2 hours inside the galleries rich in history and echoes of the hard work that was done there. In addition, many concretions can be seen, including the Mine Rose. The visit is also suitable for children, who get excited discovering the coded communications between miners that were made by tapping on the tracks, studying the ancient dynamite sticks and taking home a piece of coal found in the tunnels.
- Location: Ovaro (UD)
- Parking: near the visitor center
- Difficulty: medium/easy
- Adult ticket: €25
Why visit
01.
150km of tunnels
During the visit, more than 2 km of underground tunnels are explored by the light of flashlights placed on the helmet. The guide leads to the discovery of this labyrinth and reveals the secrets of the mine.
02.
History of the mine
The mine has an ancient history dating from the late 18th century to the mid-1950s. In the mining village of Cludinico, society developed with the times dictated by the mine’s production cycles.
03.
Guided tour
The guided tour is exciting. The caving guide takes the visitor through the experience to the fullest and, while telling the story of the miners, makes them feel part of this underground world.
A hidden past
- Mine operation: late 1700s to 1956
- Employees employed: 1,600 at the peak of activity
- Coal mined: 365000 tons
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LOCAL MINING INDUSTRY
The village of Cludinico was a, so-called, mining village, where everything revolved around the coal mining and distribution process. Dormitories, canteen, commissary and infirmary sprang up near the mine. The whole community was involved in the economy of the mine, and in addition to the workers and their families, they included engineers, technicians, blacksmiths, electricians, etc.
COAL MINING: FROM ORIGINS TO CLOSURE
The mine had been active since the late 1700s and had always been the center of Cludinico’s life and community, so much so that, in 1956, when it was closed, the village quickly emptied. Today only a few people remain there to witness its long history.
WORKERS’ TESTIMONIES
In the documentary screened at the beginning of the visit, one can see the engaging testimonies of the workers, women and the village doctor, who recount episodes and hardships of life in the mine.
The tunnels and the route
MINE CHARACTERISTICS
The mining complex consists of several areas: the Rio Malon, the Rio Furioso, the Vareton Basin, and the Creta d’Oro. The whole is spread over 5 levels with 150 km of tunnels, some with exhausted mining veins, others with coal reserves still present.
THE ROUTE AND THE WALKABLE AREA
The area covered by the visit is Golden Crete. The galleries were equipped with lighting and stairs between levels. The route starts at the 5th level, the lowest, at 590 m, and then ascends to the 1st level at 637 m, through an imperceptible drop and a few steps. Work tools, rails, scaffolding and hoists have been dismantled, but thanks to the documentary seen earlier, it is not hard to imagine workers hard at work in the tunnels.
Guided tour information
- Length: 2 km
- Levels: 5
- Duration of the visit: 3 h
VISIT PROGRAM
The tour begins at the reception center/mining museum, where the features of the mine and the visit are introduced. This is followed by an in-depth study through observation of the artifacts and the showing of a video. The whole thing lasts about half an hour. From the museum complex, the mine is reached via a downhill path in about 20 to 25 minutes. Exploration of the mine takes about 2 hours.WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR?
The visit is suitable for people of any age who are used to walking. The mine route is just over 2 km long and takes 2 hours. It is pointed out that the path down to the mine is uneven, there are stones and some sections that might be slippery. Inside, the path is more beaten and there are short but steep stairs.RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations are to wear appropriate footwear, possibly hiking boots. The indoor temperature is a constant 11°; a sweatshirt or light jacket should be worn even in summertime. Helmet with flashlight is provided at the entrance. Visiting is not recommended for those with claustrophobia, although the spaces are always large.
The mine museum: explanations and exhibits
The guided tour starts from the visitor reception center, where the ticket office and video room are located. Here the history of exploration, the life of the workers, and features of the mine are explained. The museum displays period pieces, such as the miners’ tools, chisels, picks, hydraulic drills, etc., safety equipment and maps, all original. A documentary film is shown in the video room that testifies to the experiences and lifestyle of the miners, narrated by the miners themselves. The film testifies to the hard work done by these people, but also to an unexpected theme, the pride of the workers and the sense of belonging and inclusion of this community.
Schedules , prices and booking of the guided tour
OPENING DAYS AND HOURS
Indicatively, the mine can be visited from April to the end of September. Guided tours take place at the following times:
- Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m;
- Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m;
- Sunday from 09:30 to 12:30.
COST OF TICKET
The unit ticket price is €25 for full price, €10 for children aged 6 to 12.
RESERVATIONS
Reservations are required. Each visit has a limited number of places and no additional registrations are accepted. Book the tour here >
getting there and parking
The meeting point for the mine tour is the museum/reception center at the beginning of the village. You can park nearby along the road or continue to the village church, which is a 5/10 minute walk away.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The meeting point is reached by car. From here, the descent to the mine together with the guide takes 20/25 minutes.
The visit is accessible to all who are able to walk about 2 km, partly on slightly uneven ground. The visit is also suitable for children, who are enraptured by the experience in the mine and stories about the miners’ lives.
Absolutely not. The trail is safe and suitable even for children. In any case, it is recommended to slavishly follow the instructions in the guide.
Contact
Through this section you can submit questions about the guided tour and contact the Albergo diffuso that runs the tours. Explorer FVG does not handle responses, nor is it responsible for the information exchanged in these conversations.
For information:
Hotel Diffuso Zoncolan
Via Caduti 2 Maggio, 144
33025 – Ovaro (Ud)
Send an email
Office hours and reservations:
From April to September, office hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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