The Villandro Mine: A Hidden Treasure in the Mountains
In the Fundres Mountains, just above the village of Chiusa, lies one of South Tyrol’s most fascinating historical sites: the Villandro silver mine. Today open to visitors, this mining site offers a journey back in time — through rock-hewn tunnels and stories of hard work, ingenuity, and survival.
A Story That Begins in the Middle Ages
The first documented mention of the Villandro mine dates back to 1140, when Emperor Frederick Barbarossa donated it to the Abbey of Novacella.
For centuries — especially up until the first half of the 16th century — the mine was one of the most important extraction sites in Tyrol, thanks to its rich silver veins. However, from the second half of the 1500s onwards, the Tyrolean mining industry fell into decline, and activity in Villandro also began to slow down.
Despite difficulties, small-scale extraction continued for several centuries. A brief revival took place between 1893 and 1908, but soon after, the mines were permanently closed.
During the Second World War, the site was reopened for a short period, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that plans began to take shape for its touristic and cultural restoration.
The Elisabeth Tunnel: A Museum Inside the Mountain
The highlight of the visit is the evocative Elisabeth Tunnel, which extends for 1,670 metres at an altitude of 1,292 metres above sea level. Restored in the late 1990s and open to the public since 2005, it serves as an underground educational trail.
Here you can:
- Discover how minerals were extracted and processed
- See authentic historical tools and mining techniques
- Understand the harsh working conditions faced by miners in the past
Fun fact: The average lifespan of a miner in the Middle Ages was under 40 years. The tunnels were dark, damp, and dangerous — yet vital to the local economy.
Why Visit the Villandro Mine?
Visiting the mine means getting hands-on with living history. It’s more than just a museum — it’s an immersive experience that captivates adults, children, and history enthusiasts alike, thanks to expert guides who share stories, secrets, and fascinating insights from the Alpine mining world.
A perfect activity for an alternative day out in South Tyrol’s mountains — even when the weather isn’t cooperating!
