Antonijev rov
The oldest preserved mine entrance to a mercury mine in Europe, from 1500; guided tour of the second-largest mercury mine in the world.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Antonijev rov is the oldest preserved mine entrance in Europe, dug in 1500. Today visitors pass through it into the underground world of the second-largest mercury mine in the world. Together with the Spanish Almadén, the mine is inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The guide leads visitors along a route of almost 1,200 m to hidden galleries with valuable cinnabar ore and drops of native mercury; visitors also see a unique underground chapel. The lowest point is 96 m below the surface, which is 22 m below the level of the Antonijev rov. In the gallery the temperature is about 13 °C; visitors are given protective overalls and helmets.
The mine is managed by the Center za upravljanje z dediščino živega srebra Idrija (CUDHg); the exhibition in the Topilnica Hg can be visited with the same ticket.
Highlights
- The oldest preserved mine entrance in Europe (1500)
- Cinnabar ore and native mercury
- Underground chapel
- Combined ticket with Topilnica Hg
- Operated by
- CUDHg Idrija – Center za upravljanje z dediščino živega srebra
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €15 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €12pensioners, students (16–26 years) |
| Children & teens | €7Children aged 6 to 15 pay €7, children aged 3 to 5 pay €2; children under three are not admitted. |
| Seniors | €12 |
| Students & apprentices | €12Students aged 16 to 26. |
| Families | €362 adults and 2 children up to 15 years; each additional child €2. |
| Combined ticket Antonijev rov + Topilnica Hg (April–June, September–October, adults) | €20Pensioners and students €16, children aged 6–15 €8, family ticket €46. From November to March €17 (family €42); in July and August €22 (family €50). |
| Viewing of the video presentation | €2 |
| Hunt for the treasure of Perkmandlček (family experience) | €44Up to 2 adults and up to 2 children under 15; each additional child €2. |
The prices apply to a visit to the Antonijev rov without the Topilnica Hg; the combined ticket with the exhibition in the Topilnica Hg is cheaper.
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
The route is about 1,200 m long; visitors receive protective overalls and helmets, and sturdy footwear is advisable. Details on accessibility are available at reception.
Kids & families
Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 3+
| Family ticket | €36 · 2 adults and 2 children up to 15 years; each additional child €2. |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Entry is permitted to children from the age of three; a family ticket and the family experience Hunt for the Treasure of Perkmandlček are available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Avtobusna postaja Idrija
By car
Parking available
Buses can be parked free of charge at the Jožef shaft; visitors can get off at the Idrija bus station.
The entrance to the Antonijev rov is in the centre of the historic town core. The Topilnica Hg is about 1,500 m away, the Kompresorska postaja (compressor station) 500 m.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
A tourist information point at reception.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The visit takes place accompanied by a guide. Children under three and dogs are not admitted to the tourist mine. The temperature in the mine is about 13 °C. |
