Tehniški oddelek muzeja v Frančiškovem jašku

About the museum

The outstanding collection of the Mestni muzej Idrija (Idrija Town Museum) consists of 36 mining machines and installations, most of them displayed in the entrance building of the Frančiškov jašek (Frančišek Shaft). They include centrifugal pumps, compressors, winches, steam engines, a steam boiler, a Francis water turbine, locomotives and wagons, machine tools and a forging hammer, all dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. Two of the machines are adapted to run on compressed air.

A special feature is the Kley steam pump, made in 1893 at the Škoda works in Plzeň, Czech Republic, which pumped water from the XI level, 272 m below the surface, from 1895 to 1948. It is the largest surviving machine of the Idrija mine, the largest surviving steam engine in Slovenia and among the largest in Europe, and it is displayed at the place where it worked.

The Frančiškov jašek was opened in 1792 on the north-eastern edge of the town. Today it is the only shaft of the Idrija mine still in operation. When the castle and castle courtyard were renovated after 1988, the museum moved the machines from the courtyard to this authentic mining setting.

Highlights

• Collection of 36 mining machines and installations
• Kley steam pump from 1893
• Entrance building of the only working shaft of the Idrija mine
• Locomotives and wagons for transporting ore

Permanent exhibition

• Rudniški stroji in naprave – Collection of 36 mining machines and installations, including the Kley steam pump, displayed where it worked.

Operated by

Mestni muzej Idrija

Admission & discounts

Pre-school children enter free. The family ticket is valid for one or two adults and all children up to the age of 18. Price list valid from 1 March 2026. Museum Pass: visit all sites of the Mestni muzej Idrija of your choice for €17 (adults), €16 (pensioners), €10 (school pupils, students), family ticket €40; the ticket is valid for 3 days from purchase. A special offer for two sites of your choice costs €14 (adults), €12 (pensioners) or €7 (students), family ticket €35.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

From the castle reception the route leads through the town centre along Rožna ulica to Aumeški trg, where you turn left uphill at the monument; after about 2 minutes' walk you reach the entrance building of the Frančiškov jašek. From the bus station the building is about a 4-minute walk away.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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Plan your visit