OPAL MINES TOUR
In the hills of the Slánske vrchy hills, there is a mysterious underground world of famous opal mines. Slovak opals have for centuries excelled in intensive play of colours, the so-called opalescence, and are highly valued in the world markets due to their unique properties. The oldest opal mines in the world are spread between the villages of Zlatá Baňa and Červenica and are also known as Dubnícke bane mines. The underground network of corridors reaches a length of up to 35 kilometres and connects a complicated underground mining system that had been in operation until 1922. Subsequently, the mines were put dormant for almost 100 years and re-opened to the public in 2015 thanks to the enthusiasm of volunteers.
Today you may experience a tour of this unique monument with expert commentary on history, geology, and mineralogy and learn a lot of interesting facts about the treasure of the Slanské vrchy hills.
Get to know the home of precious opals, which you will surely start liking as quickly as Empress Josephine.