The island of Sardinia is rich in mineral resources. Mining was practised here for several thousands of years. Its history started in paleolitic age with obsidian mines and kept on with ore and coal mining trought the Roman Empire, Spanish domination and the era of the Industrial Revolution until the last mines closed at the end of the 20th century. Former mines and their remains are located all over Sardinia and very often they are eye-catching part of breathtaking landscapes.
In order to preserve this mining heritage and the natural and cultural assets associated with the former mining activity, the Geomineral, Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia (Parco Geominerario Storico e Ambientale della Sardegna) was founded. It provides for eight areas with a total area of 3500 sq km which are spread over the entire island. They have been selected depending on the geological and mining importance, archaeological remains and natural qualities of each area. The largest area of the park is in the southwest of the island. This is also where most of the mining monuments and museums that are open to tourists are located, some of which are presented on the ERIH website:
Carbonia. Italian Centre for Coal Mining Culture
Fluminimaggiore. Su Zurfuru Mining Site
Guspini. The Mines of Montevecchio
Iglesias. Masua Mines and Porto Flavia
Iglesias. Museum of the Arts of Mining
Narcao. Rosas Mining Ecomuseum
Geomineral, Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia
Parco Geominerario Storico e Ambientale della Sardegna
Via Monteverdi 16
09016 Iglesias
Italy
+39 (0) 781 - 255066
Homepage
Admission: | Free |
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Access for persons with disabilities: | For details see website |
Park office
Monday - Friday 10am -12pm
Individual sites/museums
see websites