The Museum of Mining was established in 1980, thanks in part to the contribution of old miners who recreated their work environment. This was an old travertine quarry, from wich three tunnels were made to provide shelter for the population during World War II. It represents a faithful recreation of life and work inside a mine and it is an important testimony to what has been the main economic activity of the whole area of the Colline Metallifere for many centuries.
The Museum of Mining recreates a sort of underground town with many tunnels and side tunnels which show the different types of structures supporting the dirt ceiling. One after the other, visitors can view a classic wooden structure, roof bolting by way of a metal mesh fixed with steel bolts and a brick lining. Also, the different techniques for mineral extraction are shown: from “gob cultivation” to “roof fall”. Also on display are the wood deposit, the overseer’s cabin, the manways, the risers and a great number of working tools, machinery and wagons that had been used in the actual mining activity until a few years ago. In the last part of the tour visitors can view a mineral samples from the area around Massa.
There are guided tours to the Museum; visitors will cover a 700 mt. stretch, wich is very easy to walk and feasible for people of all ages.