Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
Antonijev rov, mine entrance in Idrija
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| Location |
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| Criteria | Cultural: (ii), (iv) |
| Inscription | 2012 (36th Session) |
| Area | 104.1 ha (257 acres) |
Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija is a special UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes two important mercury mining towns: Almadén in Spain and Idrija in Slovenia.
Mercury is a unique metal that is liquid at room temperature. It was very important in the past, especially for getting gold and silver out of other rocks. The mines in Almadén have been used since ancient times. People first found mercury in Idrija in 1490.
These two places show how mercury was traded across continents. This trade connected Europe and America for hundreds of years. The Almadén and Idrija mines were the two biggest mercury mines in the world. They were used until quite recently.
Besides mining, these sites also show how mining changed towns and people's lives. They are great examples of how industry and technology shaped society.
In Almadén, you can visit a Mining Park and even go underground! There are also old buildings from the town's mining past. These include Retamar Castle, the San Rafael Mining Hospital (now an archive), and old houses that form a cool hexagonal bullring.
In Idrija, you can see where mercury was stored and the special equipment used. There are also old homes where the miners lived and even a theatre built for them.
Contents
Becoming a World Heritage Site
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Idrija started the process to get its mercury heritage on the UNESCO list in 2006. At first, they tried to join with a mercury mine in Peru. This was because of an old trade route called Camino Real.
Later, they tried with a mine in Mexico, focusing on how mercury was used in silver mining. But this idea didn't get enough support.
Finally, the third try was successful! This time, the focus was on how mercury mining influenced technology and industry. It also showed how it helped the economy and culture of both regions. In 2012, both Almadén and Idrija were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list together.
Important Places in Almadén
Almadén has several historic places that are part of the World Heritage Site. These buildings and areas show the long history of mercury mining there.
- Old town of Almadén: This is the historic center of the town.
- Buildings of the Castle's Mine: These are structures related to the old mine near the castle.
- Royal Prison of forced labor: This was a prison where forced laborers worked in the mines.
- Hospital Real de San Rafael: This was a hospital built for the miners.
- Bullring: A unique bullring made from old miners' dwellings.
Important Places in Idrija
Idrija also has many important sites that tell the story of its mercury mining.
- Old town of Idrija: The historic part of the town.
- Foundry: Where the mercury ore was processed.
- Kamšt pump with water channel and tank: A large wooden water pump that helped drain the mines. It used water from a special channel.
- Water tanks and lagoons: These were important for managing water, which was crucial for mining operations.
See also
In Spanish: Patrimonio del mercurio: Almadén e Idrija para niños
Images for kids
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Furnace of Bustamante of the mines of Almadén.
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Headframe of the mines of Almadén.
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Building of the pump in Idrija.
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