Ecomuseo Miniere di Rosas
Restored mining village in Narcao with a mineralogical museum, the Galleria Santa Barbara and a laveria (ore-washing plant), visitable with a guide.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Rosas deposit was discovered in 1832 and recognised as a mining district in 1849. In 1851 King Vittorio Emanuele II granted the right to extract galena to a joint-stock company of the Unione mineraria del Sulcis e del Sarrabus. For more than a century lead, zinc and iron were mined, until the mine finally closed in 1980.
The mining complex has been restored for museum and visitor use and forms an open-air museum set in a natural landscape. The route includes the laveria, with its mills still working and multimedia rooms with the testimonies of former miners, and the Galleria Santa Barbara, which shows how lead and zinc were mined and the working conditions. The historical and mineralogical museum holds minerals and finds from the local mines.
Other buildings have new uses: the forge is now a bar, the storehouses an exhibition space and the former post office a restaurant; the restored miners' houses offer accommodation. Since 2024 the site has been a member of the ERIH network, the European Route of Industrial Heritage.
Highlights
- Underground Galleria Santa Barbara with guided tour
- Laveria with working mills and multimedia rooms
- Historical and mineralogical museum
- Mining village with forge, calcining kiln and miners' houses
- Mining train to get around the village
Permanent exhibition
- Museo storico e mineralogico e percorso in miniera – Minerals and finds from the local mines, the laveria with machinery in operation and the Galleria Santa Barbara with the methods of lead and zinc mining.
- Visitors per year
- approx. 10,000
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8 |
| Mining train | €2Per person; not included in the ticket |
The ticket covers the visit to the Galleria, the laveria and the historical museum. Reductions apply to specific categories or age groups, such as children and seniors.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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
Comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended. No information on accessibility for people with disabilities is published.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Playground / play area
Educational workshops such as the Mineralab are offered for children and young people; there is a play area in the village. The walks on the miners' trails are suitable for all ages.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free parking.
The site is located in Rosas, in the Terrubia hamlet of the municipality of Narcao.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
There is a bar, pizzeria and restaurant in the village, and a bookshop. Overnight stays are possible in the former miners' houses.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
A conference room is available.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 80 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits take place with a guide in timed slots. Educational workshops are offered, including the Mineralab, where objects are made by melting, and an education room. |
