Anthony's Shaft Mining Museum

About

Anthony’s Shaft is the most atmospheric way to experience Idrija’s mining past, a place where you descend directly into the world that shaped the town for half a millennium. Opened in 1500, it is one of the oldest preserved mining shafts in Europe, and its narrow passages, wooden supports, and dim lantern-lit spaces still feel remarkably authentic. The tour begins in the miners’ changing room, where you learn about daily routines, dangers, and the strict rules that governed life underground. As you move deeper, guides demonstrate traditional tools, ventilation methods, and the ingenious systems used to transport mercury ore. One of the most interesting facts is that miners once worked in temperatures reaching 40°C, caused by the natural heat of the earth and the mine’s depth. Inside the shaft, you encounter reconstructed workstations, a small chapel carved into the rock, and original timber reinforcements that have survived centuries. The storytelling is vivid: personal anecdotes, superstitions, and the symbolism of St Barbara, the miners’ protector, give the visit an emotional dimension.

Idrija Slovenia

Location

Anthony’s Shaft Mining Museum is located in the town of Idrija in western Slovenia, right in the heart of the historic mining district. Set in the narrow Idrijca Valley and surrounded by forested hills, the museum occupies Anthony’s Main Road, the oldest preserved mine entrance in Europe. The original 16th-century shaft was one of the main access points to the vast mercury mine that shaped Idrija for over 500 years. Visitors enter through the authentic tunnel and descend into original galleries where miners once worked. Guided tours reveal the conditions of mercury extraction, with preserved equipment, support structures, and a chapel of St. Barbara, the miners’ patron saint, hidden underground. Just a short walk away is the Idrija Municipal Museum in Gewerkenegg Castle, which tells the broader story of the town and its UNESCO-listed heritage. Nearby you’ll also find the Kamšt, the largest preserved wooden mine water pump in Europe, standing beside the Idrijca river. In the center, the Idrija Lace School and lace gallery showcase the town’s delicate handmade tradition. Nature lovers can head to Wild Lake, a deep karst spring with emerald water, or explore trails in the Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark.