- AREA_2
- T_APRILE
- T_MAGGIO
- T_GIUGNO
- T_LUGLIO
- T_AGOSTO
- T_SETTEMBRE
- T_OTTOBRE
- T_NOVEMBRE
- PASSION_TREKKING
- SKILL_MEDIA
- T_GENNAIO
- T_FEBBRAIO
- T_MARZO
- T_DICEMBRE
Bric Gettina Silver Mines
- Status Open
- Area Melogno
Ancient mining site in the Melogno woods
A hike into the woods to explore ancient, abandoned mines of silver-bearing galena can be an interesting experience, historically and naturalistically. Especially appreciated in summer for the pure and fresh air.Del Carretto Marquises’ mines’ exploitation began probably in the mid-1400s, increased throughout the 1600s during the Spanish domination and it slowly declined until final abandonment in the early 1900s.
The trail starts from "Din" area, by a house known as the “Casa del Mago”. You can also park your car here. After about a kilometre, leave the main path and take a smaller trail on your left that at first gently climbs up and then comes down, winding through the Val Pora side. Every now and then you can make a stop on the rocky ridges to take in the stunning view of the upper Val Pora and the Finale area.
The ancient trail, supported by tall walls, becomes increasingly steep and you begin to glimpse the mining site from afar. Below the trail, the first of 5 tunnels. Shortly after you will get to your destination: ruins of ancient stone buildings, likely the miners' houses, little stone stairs connecting the surrounding fasce (terraces sustained by drywalls, typically used in Ligurian agriculture), a little quaint house known as the "Blacksmith's House" and, carved into the rock, 4 small tunnels with blossoming Campanulas, which are a pleasant and unexpected surprise at this altitude.
