Idrija: The following stories of mercury and lace

Descend 96 metres deep into the more than 500-year-old tunnels of the world’s second-largest mercury mine. Take a look at the smelting plant where they acquired the brilliant liquid metal from the ore and find out why authentic Idrian lace is so special during a tour of the museum collections in an unusual castle! Experience the geological peculiarities of the area in an interactive way (with attractive points for children) and then go and explore the beautiful nature. Along with the UNESCO heritage of mercury, the UNESCO heritage of bobbin lace, and a UNESCO global geopark, Idrija is the largest Slovenian treasury of peculiarities of global importance. 

The experience includes: 

• • a tour of Anthony’s Shaft with a presentation of mining methods from the 16th century to today
  • a tour of the Hg smelting plant with a demonstration of the melting process from ore to mercury drops
  • a tour of the museum collections at the Gewerkenegg mining castle and a presentation of the Idrija bobbin lace heritage 
  • an interactive exhibition at the Visitors’ Centre of the Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark