Excursion to the most historically important
Czech gold mine
The Jílovské gold mines are historically the most important source of gold in the Czech lands. Thanks to the proceeds of the local mines, magnificent buildings, churches and entire districts were built in medieval Prague. In 2013, Montanika took over the rights and obligations to a set of mining operations in the main part of the Jilove ore district. The reconstruction of the initial 200 metres of the Václav adit took a year and a half. This was followed by securing 1,300 metres of the dewatering adit and removing many years of deposits, then replacing 500 metres of wooden footbridges in the water adit, and finally reconstructing 500 metres of the track to the Pepř shaft. Further work focused mainly on the area of the pit's headwaters and, in particular, on opening up the passages and workings in the Šlojíř vein - the legendary source of gold in Jílovské. After several years of mainly reconstruction works, we started to improve the technical equipment of the mine, installed a compressor for demonstrations of the operation of machines powered by compressed air, perfectly illuminated the mined out areas in the accessible parts, even under the water surface. There is still a lot of work to be done, but we are encouraged by the positive reactions and interest of the general and professional public and the representatives of the town of Jílové u Prahy (Jilove near Prague). Our goal is to make the entire mine complex in this area accessible with several route options where visitors will be able to see different gold mining techniques from deep history to the 20th century.
Review
An amazing experience visiting the Václav Adit. I highly recommend it, especially to those who are comfortable moving through confined spaces and in the dark.
Jaroslav
A tour of the Václav Adit combined with a via ferrata adventure – three hours underground with entertaining guides who explain everything about mining in an engaging way, including demonstrations of mining machinery, blasting techniques, how mines were created, their history, and an exciting experience on a protected via ferrata route.
Martin
An extraordinary via ferrata adventure through the spectacular underground setting of the Václav Adit, definitely worth a visit. A truly unique experience unlike anything else you are likely to find in the Czech Republic.
Tomáš
If you haven't experienced this, you haven't truly lived!!!
Lucie
An incredible experience for both adults and children. We had never experienced anything like it before, and we will remember it for a long time. The tour is suitable even for young children, and part of the route includes a ride on a mine train. :-)
Pavla
The via ferrata tour involves an easy climb using iron rungs and ladders, making it suitable even for complete beginners. The tour also includes demonstrations of working mining machinery and a real underground blast.
An amazing experience—the best tour of its kind in the Czech Republic.
Jan
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In the Media
First Underground Via Ferrata in the Czech Republic Opens in Jílové u Prahy
The first underground via ferrata in the Czech Republic is now open. It was opened in Jílové u Prahy in the former Pepř mine, where gold has been mined since the 14th century.
