Monteneve: Europe’s Highest Mine Awaits You Between History and Adventure
Straddling the Ridanna Valley and the Passiria Valley, between 2,000 and 2,650 metres above sea level, lies one of Europe’s most extraordinary mining sites: the Monteneve Mine (Ridanna Monteneve). Set amidst an alpine landscape of rare beauty, this ancient mine is now a place where history comes to life — thanks to an open-air museum that is truly one of a kind.
A Little History (and a Lot of Fascination)
The origins of mining activity in Monteneve are shrouded in mystery. The first written record dates back to 1237, but the region’s mining tradition likely goes back to the 12th century, if not earlier.
The 16th century was the golden age: more than 1,000 miners worked here, operating over 70 tunnels and producing large quantities of silver, which helped enrich nearby towns such as Vipiteno. During this period, the Chapel of St. Magdalene was built in late Gothic style — a symbol of the faith of a community deeply tied to the earth.
From 1871 onwards, zinc extraction began, and the village of San Martino entered a new phase of prosperity… until 1967, when a fire destroyed it. The miners then moved to Masseria, where the ore processing plant had already been established in 1871.
In 1979, after more than 800 years of activity, the mine was finally closed for good.
Today: One of the Highest Museums in Europe
Today, you can explore this fascinating site thanks to the South Tyrol Museum of Mining, located in Ridanna Monteneve, just 15 minutes by car from Vipiteno.
What to expect:
- Immersive guided tours inside the original tunnels
- Working machinery that brings the past to life
- Knowledgeable guides, often descendants of real miners
- Educational and interactive routes to experience the miners’ daily life
Put on your helmet and raincoat, step inside the mountain, and discover how tough — and fascinating — the miners’ lives once were, surrounded by cold, darkness, and the echo of iron tools.
Useful Information
- Location: Ridanna, about 15 minutes from Vipiteno
- Altitude: between 2,000 and 2,650 m a.s.l.
- Visit duration: from 1.5 hours up to a full day (depending on the tour)
- Languages available: German, Italian, English
- Also suitable for children (shorter family-friendly tours available)
Experience the Mountain from the Inside
A visit to the Monteneve Mine is a thrilling journey into the heart of the Alps and into the deep history of a region that has always united people, rock, and hard work.
