Tourists in the mine: tours and cultural events at disused sites throughout Italy
On 30 and 31 May, numerous Italian regions open mines and museums to promote mining tourism and enhance the historical and cultural heritage linked to mining
Tourists? In the mine. Whether it is an excursion in a tunnel ending on a terrace overlooking the sea or in a disused rock salt mine, it makes no difference. For many mining sites where production stopped years ago due to exhaustion or, much more simply, because it was no longer sustainable, a new course in tourism and culture has begun. It is precisely the mines whose course is no longer production but knowledge that will be the focus of the initiatives, scheduled for 30 and 31 May, of the 18th Mining Day.
Valorising the mining heritage
An annual event dedicated to the valorisation and promotion of mining tourism as cultural heritage. It is an initiative involving several centres in Italia, promoted and coordinated by Remi, Ispra's National Network of Italian Mining Parks and Museums, with a number of other organisations including Aipai, Anim, Assorisorse, G&T and Mase.
Events distributed throughout the territory
"Once again for this edition," the Ispra has announced, "the Day will take the form of a rich programme of events distributed throughout the country, culminating in the creation of a 'National Calendar' that will bring together all the initiatives proposed by the adhering Mining Sites, Museums and Parks. A widespread practice in mining sites where mining activity has ceased and cultural tourism has begun instead.
Appointments
In Calabria there will be guided tours of the Lugro Salt Mine Historical Museum. Not only shafts and tunnels. In Emilia Romagna, the journey through the mines will take place in the historical archives of the Montecatini mine. The preserved books tell the story of the mining world, its economic and social conditions, and also that of the workers.
In Friuli Venezia Giulia there is a guided excursion 'The Resartico mine in Resiutta'. Excursions are also planned in Liguria with the initiative 'Walking along the mining roads in the Bargone area'. In Lombardy, five different initiatives between Gorno in the province of Bergamo and others in the province of Brescia will tell the story of the mining world with stories and excursions. In the Marches in Cabernardi there is the initiative 'Not only mine: narrated walk in the land of sulphur'. In Piedmont, 15 different events are planned among the various sites. They range from food and wine initiatives right in the mine to excursions in the gallery, and continue with debates and discussions. In Apulia, a visit to the Parco delle Cave, while in Sardinia 11 initiatives are planned among coal mines and sites used for the extraction of lead and zinc, ending with the paths of memory. Two initiatives are planned in Sicily, and 9 in Tuscany where guided tours alternate with moments of reflection and performances. Guided tours, historical projections and other initiatives also in Umbria. In Valle d'Aosta an experiential initiative right in the mine, while in Veneto a photographic exhibition and then excursions are planned.
