Museo delle miniere di Gorno
Lombard ecomuseum dedicated to the zinc and lead mines of Gorno, with a museum, a mining archive and guided visits underground.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The mines of Gorno, in the Val del Riso, were already exploited in Roman times. Mining was certainly resumed after a decree of the Republic of Venice in 1482, and it developed strongly for zinc and lead from the mid-19th century and above all from the early 20th century, until the mines closed in early 1982.
In 2009 the Lombardy Region recognised the territory of Gorno as an ecomuseum, at the end of a process of recovering the village's ancient mining and natural heritage. In 2010 the first measures were carried out: the securing of a guided route in the old mines of Costa Jels, the setting up of the Museo delle miniere, the training of guides, and the creation of a mining archive that can be consulted by appointment.
The museum collects materials from the local mining world, period photographs and films. The guided visit also addresses the emigration of miners and the socio-economic aspects of mining.
Highlights
- Mining museum with period materials, photographs and films
- Guided route underground in the Costa Jels mines (Serpenti entrance)
- Interactive stations, including rock drilling
- Miniature mine “dei Galecc” designed for children
- Mining archive available by appointment
- Founded
- 2010
- Operated by
- Comune di Gorno
- Visitors per year
- approx. 1,737
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5School classes, groups of at least 20 paying visitors, visitors under 16 and over 65 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Free for children under 6 years old (excluding groups and classes from nursery schools). |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities during scheduled visits. |
| Museum and guided tour of the mining sites (standard) | €15 |
| Museum and guided tour of the mining sites (reduced) | €10 |
| Guided tour of the mining sites only (standard) | €10 |
| Guided tour of the mining sites only (reduced) | €8 |
The combined ticket includes the museum and the guided tour of the mining sites. Groups and guests invited by the municipal administration, or involved in promoting Gorno's mining heritage, also enter free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Along the mine route there is a small educational mine “dei Galecc” with wooden tools, suitable for children up to about 8 years old. The museum welcomes school classes from nursery school onwards.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Large car park at the Piazzale Bersaglieri (Polo socioculturale, contrada Villassio).
The Polo socioculturale is at the end of Via Mons. Guerinoni, in the hamlet of Villassio.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Large car park at the meeting point.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 3 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | In the mine the temperature is about 10 °C in every season, so suitable clothing and trekking shoes are recommended. The meeting point is the Piazzale Alpini/Bersaglieri, in the hamlet of Villassio. Bookings can be made via the website, by e-mail or by telephone. |
