Slovak Opal Mines - The Jewel of Slovak Mountains

World rarity near the city of Prešov and in the region of Šariš.

Only 20 minutes from the city of Prešov lies a unique and world rarity  Slovak Opal Mines. We visited them again to bring news and to remind our Šarišanians, but also the whole of Slovakia, where it is worth visiting. We were captivated by the visit. We walked through the new, about 300 m a longer route and a wonderful labyrinth of corridors that you just don't see. A place hidden in the green-green nature, in the intricacy of the paths and in the amazing Slanské hills, convinced us once again that the Šariš region is a diverse region. In the mines you will discover history through the eyes of opal tunnels, learn about ancient mining techniques Opal, you will walk through places where it is easy to breathe, „live“ the spirit of the underworld and the permonik - dwarf, who is waiting for small visitors - children. Mining open-air museum is also a great tip for a school trip, where you can learn the story of to the fairy Libanka, and you will pass the test of courage in a corridor of complete darkness. We guarantee an unforgettable experience with professional guides. Before entering the mine you will be given free flashlight and helmet, for small visitors you can buy cool metal minibatteries and the guide will bury you on the knocker, beginning your underground adventure. After the tour, you have the opportunity to indulge in a real forest roast in a natural fireplace. So don't forget to bring the right products with you. If you're an adrenaline junkie, we recommend taking the five-hour tour, where you'll explore the most interesting corners of the 35 kilometres of tunnels and try your hand at mining a rare gemstone.

Some interesting facts from Slovak Opal Mines

  • until the discovery of Australia, these were the only opal mines in the world
  • are the oldest in the world where opal was mined by underground mining, not mined
  • are exceptional with huge spaces - the length of the corridors reaches up to 35 kilometres and connects the complicated system of underground mining that operated until 1922
  • the largest opal in the world - Harlequin, washed away by the water, was found in these mines and was given to her as a gift Empress Maria Theresa, now housed in the Natural History Museum in Vienna
  • the precious opal from Dubnica was popular members of the family of Emperor Napoleon. Empress Josephine wore the most famous opal Trojan Fire
  • in the mine „lives“ a little guardian - mining gnome permoník, who watches you throughout the tour
  • it is said that even in the crown to the British Queen opal was found in these mines, a trade war between diamond and opal caused the opal to eventually be taken out of the mine. There was „fortune and misfortune“ on the conscience“
  • the average temperature in the mines is 4°C - 6°C and Ph of water in the flooded corridors is incredible 3,2
You can find out more interesting facts about the mines directly during the tour of the Slovak Opal Mines.

How to get to the Slovak Opal Mines :

  • on foot - along the blue tourist trail from the village Červenica
  • by bicycle towards Solivar, bicycle-railway through Kokošovce - Sigord, then towards the main road to Zlatá Baňa and Červenica
  • by car - 20 minutes drive from the centre of Prešov
  • by bus
Length of route: the tour route is 1 000 m long Difficulty : suitable for all ages. There are several other attractions in the region worth seeing. We recommend for example: Lacnov Gorge, wooden churches, Synagogues, Šariš Castle, Kapušian Castle Tulčík Manor House, etc.

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