Point of interestThe Guia Mine
Macugnaga
The Guia Gold Mine at Fornarelli not far from the Walser House Museum was the first mine to be reopened as a museum.
The mine was active for over two hundred years, from 1710 to 1961.
At its entrance you can see the mercury amalgam mill which was activated by water pressure: this method was used in the 20s and 30s to separate the gold from sterile material.
Mining, with its hard labour, was a common trade in the Anzasca Valley, and it was thanks to the availability of miners that the gold mine reached its peak of production in the interwar period.
The mine later became unproductive and was closed in 1961, but has been reopened for guided visits (admission charge), during which you can glimpse real veins of gold-bearing pyrite along the route (1.5 km).
How to get there
By car: the A26 motorway continues as the Simplon dual carriageway. Take this road and exit at Piedimulera-Valle Anzasca and follow the signs for Macugnaga.By train: the nearest railway station is Piedimulera, 27 km from Staffa.
Further details
Access:
From 1 June until 15 September:
June: closed on Monday
July and August: open every day
September: closed on Wednesday
From October to May: only booking, min 15 pax.
Hours:
June and September: 10 am, 11.30 am, 2 pm, 3.30, 5 pm;
July and August: 9 am, 11.30 am, 2 pm, 5.30 pm.
Min: 3 pax
Price:
€ 6
Until 5 years old: free
6-10: € 4,50
Over 65: € 5
Contact
| Name | Miniera d'oro della Guia |
| minieradoro@libero.it | |
| Web site | www.minieradoro.it |
| Phone number | +39 0324 65570 |
