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Anthony’s Shaft

Antonijev rov

A guided walk into one of the oldest preserved mine entrances in Europe, part of Idrija’s UNESCO listing.

Why visit

A UNESCO industrial site you go inside, an hour from Ljubljana, with almost no queue.

About

Idrija’s mercury mine operated from 1490 to 1995 and was the second largest in the world. Anthony’s Shaft, opened in 1500, is among the oldest preserved mine entrances in Europe, and the guided tour goes underground into the workings with helmets and coats provided. Together with Almadén in Spain, the Heritage of Mercury site was inscribed by UNESCO in 2012. Tours run at fixed times and last around 90 minutes; underground temperature is around 10°C year-round.

Accessibilitywheelchair access, step-free route, pushchair friendly — not available.
Wheelchair access
Confirmed not available
Step-free route
Confirmed not available
Accessible toilet
Not verified
Accessible parking
Not known
Pushchair friendly
Confirmed not available
Difficulty
moderate

An historic mine: low headroom, uneven wet floors, and stairs. Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Nearby

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    A castle built into the mouth of a cave in a vertical cliff, ten minutes from Postojna Cave.

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    A Vipava valley family estate working without added inputs, and a reference point for Slovenian natural wine.

    • 1 h 30 min
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