Discovering Cinnabar: History and Tradition in the Ancient Mines
For centuries, mines have been the beating heart of the extraction of a reddish mineral known as cinnabar. This mineral, with its vibrant and rich hue, has played a crucial role in the history of Florentine workshops since the Middle Ages, providing the essential pigment for the production of red dyes. However, its importance has evolved over time, shaping the economic and industrial dynamics of past eras.
The visitable part of the mines is spread over two sites: the first, very ancient, offers a rare testimony of primitive excavation techniques; this is one of the few sites in the world where it is possible to observe droplets of native mercury coming out of the rock face.
The second one, instead, excavated with the first rudimentary pneumatic hammers at the beginning of the 20th century and equipped with a system of rails for the transport of trolleys, represents a true testimony of industrial archaeology of the area and inside it various mineralogical rarities have also been found.
Travel time: approximately 00:40'
Minimum age for independent visit: 4 years
Recommended clothing: Rubber soled shoes - Sweatshirt/Sweater
The ticket price includes:
- Tourist Guide Service
- Shuttle Bus From Ticket Office And Back