World unique hidden in the Slanské hills
Between Prešov and Košice there is a mountain of volcanic origin. Slanské vrchy in its heart hide a world unique, the largest and oldest opal mines in the world. Dubnícké mines are historically and culturally significant site, whose history dates back to the times before our era. The precious opal from Dubník enchanted many a ruler, alchemist or poet. Until the end of the 19th century it was the only open deposit of precious opal in the world.Rich underground
Slovak opal is a certified geographical designation of precious opal, which comes from deposits in the Slanské vrchy Mountains in Eastern Slovakia. For centuries, Slovak precious opals have been distinguished by their intense play of colours, the so-called opalescence, and they are highly valued worldwide for their unique properties. The underground of the mines consists of an intricate network of tunnels over 35 kilometres in length. The mining of precious opal in Dubník took place until 1922. In the underground mines you will discover the history of precious opal from Dubník with your own senses, you will get to know how the opal originated, how it was mined, processed and how jewellery made of precious opal adorned the necklines and heads of the world's monarchs. A visit to the opal mines is also an excellent tip for a school trip.Did you know:
- they are the oldest opal mines in the world
- these were the only opal mines in the world until the discovery of precious opal deposits in Australia in the late 19th century
- they are the most extensive opal mines in the world
- Harlequin is the largest opal found here and is stored in the Natural History Museum in Vienna
- The Trojan fire, one of the most famous opal necklaces, adorned the décolletage of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte
- Queen Victoria's head was adorned with an opal tiara with 17 opals from Dubník
- 16 species of bats, more than 8 000 individuals, hibernate in the mines
- the temperature in the mines is a constant 6°C
New, a nature trail through the protected area of Dubnické mines
Map
Gallery
Information
Slovak Opal Mine, s.r.o
Visitor Centre - Jozef Shed
082 07 Červenica
E-mail: info@opalovebane.com
Tel: +421 850 030 850 (SR)
Tel: +421 904 22 33 00 (outside Slovakia)
Web: opalovebane.com
Opening hours and current price list with booking: https://www.opalovebane.com/rezervacia-vstupu/
GPS coordinates of the portal of the Jozef adit (opal mine tours): 48.9040705, 21.4593696
How to get to the Slovak Opal Mines :
- on foot - along the blue tourist trail from the village Červenica
- by bicycle - cycle path from Prešov in the direction of Sigord, then along the asphalt road in the direction of Zlatá Baňa and Červenica
- by car - from Prešov through the village of Zlatá Baňa, from Košice through the village of Kecerovce and Červenica
- by bus - to Červenice and from there on foot for about 30 minutes along the blue tourist trail
- the temperature underground is 6°C all year round
- the humidity in the mine is high, more than 90%
- it is advisable to dress warmly and wear shoes that may be easily soiled after the tour
- download your purchased tickets to your phone in advance or print them out
- gets a helmet before entering the mine
