Mines from the Reign of Charles IV
One of the main attractions of our mine will be the historic medieval mining workings, which have been dated to the reign of Charles IV. The historical importance of the Jílové gold mines during this period is further highlighted by the fact that the gold mined here is believed to have been used to create the Crown of Saint Wenceslas.
The medieval sections of the Pepř Mine have several exceptional features that make them unique, not only within the Czech Republic but also on a European scale.
- The medieval workings still contain original wooden mining features, including timber supports, winding drums, planks, wooden channels and other historic elements.
- The areas dated to the mid 14th century have remained untouched by later mining activity.
- In several places, the surrounding rock is exceptionally well preserved, making it possible to connect these areas to the existing visitor routes.
- Comparable mines of the same age, preserved in such a condition and accessible to the public, are extremely rare anywhere in Europe.
Opening these medieval mine workings to visitors and connecting them to the existing tour route in the Pepř Mine is a technically challenging and time consuming project that cannot be completed without grant funding.
Below, you can explore photographs of untouched medieval mine workings dating back to the mid 14th century, taken in different parts of the Jílové mining district.