The Guia Mine

Macugnaga
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How to get

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.

About

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 1945.

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 1945, 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).

More details

Access:
The mine is open every day until 15 September 2021 with reservation required at the following number: 340 3953869
For updates and details visit the website www.minieradoro.it

Price:
€ 6
Until 5 years old: free
6-13: € 5,00
Discounts for groups (more than 20 people)

The Guia Mine is open all year by booking for at least 15 people and for schools.