Centro Minerario di Valle Imperina
Industrial archaeology complex at Rivamonte Agordino with mine galleries, smelting furnaces, a museum and a visitor centre of the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
For centuries the Valle Imperina mines were the main source of livelihood for the Lower Agordino. The first document attesting mining activity dates from 1409, with the grant for copper extraction; in 1615 a new concession to the family of Francesco Crotta led to the discovery of the richest vein. From the 15th century the mines became strategic for the Arsenal of Venice, which was supplied there with the copper needed for the bronze of cannons and for sheathing ships.
The Republic of Venice centralised production by building the smelting furnaces, which are still well preserved, at a time when the mine supplied half of the Arsenal’s copper requirements. After the fall of Venice, activity continued until the production of copper sulphate; in 1910 the Montecatini company took over, building a hydroelectric power station and a railway towards the Bribano station. The mine closed for good in 1962.
After decades of abandonment, the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park launched a major restoration project, which turned the site into a multi-purpose centre. Today the Mining Centre offers guided visits to the Santa Barbara, Fusinella and Magni galleries, the smelting furnaces and the Mazzolli museum, and hosts a visitor centre for the Park, an educational hub, a hostel, holiday accommodation and a restaurant. The management of visits and educational activities is entrusted to Botol Group.
Highlights
- Guided visit to the Santa Barbara, Fusinella and Magni galleries
- Smelting furnace complex of the Republic of Venice
- Mazzolli Museum
- Visitor centre of the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park
- Educational workshops on geology, minerals and mining history
Permanent exhibition
- Gallerie, forni fusori e museo Mazzolli – Route through the Santa Barbara, Fusinella and Magni galleries and the smelting furnace complex, with the Mazzolli Museum and other exhibits on mining life.
- Operated by
- Botol Group (gestione di visite, didattica e accoglienza)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €23 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €20over 65s (full visit) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Adolescents aged 15 to 18: €18; free admission for children under 6. |
| Seniors | €20Over 65s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for persons holding a disability certificate. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €20 per personGroups of at least 15 people, €20 per person; schools €15 per pupil. Booking required. |
| Families | €552 parents and 1 child under 15: €55; 1 parent and 1 child under 15: €35; €15 for each additional child between 6 and 15 years old. |
| Galleries only (guided visit, about 2 hours) | €18 |
| Museums only with guided visit | €15 |
| Museums only, visit without guide | €7 |
Rates for the 2026 season. The full visit includes the galleries and the museums (museums visited independently).
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The route, unpaved and slightly uphill, is described as suitable for everyone; for guests with disabilities or special needs, which should be reported in advance, the centre provides a vehicle suited to the route.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €55 · 2 parents and 1 child under 15: €55; 1 parent and 1 child under 15: €35; €15 for each additional child between 6 and 15 years old. |
- Family tours & workshops
Discounted family packages and educational workshops for schools; children under 3 must be carried in the galleries.
Getting there & parking
The centre is located at Via Miniere 3, in Rivamonte Agordino, and is one of the gateways to the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
Restaurant “Alle Antiche Miniere” with hostel and holiday accommodation on the site.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The indoor and outdoor spaces are indicated as a venue for cultural events, exhibitions, concerts, conferences and other events.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 2.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Full visit of about 2 hours and 30 minutes and 3 km on foot there and back; galleries only about 2 hours; smelting furnaces and Mazzolli museum about 45 minutes. In the galleries the temperature is about 10 °C all year round: warm clothing, long trousers, trekking shoes and a jacket are required. The centre provides helmets and waterproofs. Minors are admitted only if accompanied; children under 3 must be carried. |
