The Treasure Chest of the Grigna The Mines of Cortabbio

Merla: The Primaluna Mining Park offers hikers 1,000 metres of tunnels winding through the Grigna.

Even Leonardo da Vinci realised how valuable these lands were, in fact, in the Codex Atlanticus he wrote 'li edifici della vena del rame e dello arzento, presso una terra detta Pra Sancto Petro e vene di ferro e cose fantastiche' (the buildings of the copper and silver vein, near a land called Pra Sancto Petro and veins of iron and fantastic things).

The Valsassina is a treasure trove of minerals and the mining industry has over the centuries allowed for the production of swords, nails, cannonballs, agricultural implements and the Premana world-famous scissors.

It was discovered in the mid-19th century when Master Vanotti, while hiking in the woods, noticed a 'peculiar' outcrop of white rocks, and analysing them discovered that it was baryte. 
A useful and valuable substance, it was used for numerous purposes, from the food industry to the paper industry and even in the medical field.

 Excavation work lasted for 150 years, employing about a hundred people. The mining peak occurred in the first half of the 20th century: the extracted material was transported downstream by sledges and cable cars. The mining site was finally abandoned in 2012 and then converted into a tourist attraction.

In the early days, ore was removed directly from the outcrops, then tunnels were dug into the mountainside at increasingly deeper levels to access the rich veins below and make the excavation work more profitable.
Today, there are illuminated galleries along the route that open up an extraordinary 'world' full of history, colours, precious artefacts, in short, pure fascination.

The mines offer different routes to visit:

Internal route: Nuovo Ribasso Mine - The underground route is about 2 km long with an average duration of about 1.5 hours. 
Walking along the first section, you arrive at the bottom of the tunnel where you cross the white mineralised baryte side.
During the tour, visitors learn about machines and excavation methods, the structural and aesthetic features of the mine rock.

External route: The outdoor route is about 2.5 km long and takes about two hours.
The starting point is always the 'Nuovo Ribasso' mine: you can visit the remains of the cable car station of the 'Vittoria' mine, thus reaching the oldest mines (Speranza Superiore - Virginia Superiore).
Iron, copper, silver, lead and other minerals: Valsassina has always been rich in them. 

For centuries, the sound of hammers has resounded in the valley.

It is possible to visit the mine, accessing it from the entrance at an altitude of 552 m in an area reached by a convenient communal road, which is also accessible by bus. 
Guided visits are conducted in complete safety with protective helmets.

The underground world still looks untouched and well-trained guides explain the secrets of mining techniques and about the miners' lives.
Access is permitted:
- from the age of three to all those with independent motor skills
- to the motor disabled with the aid of a specially equipped trolley
- to the blind with a dedicated route
Sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended.
Visor available for the immersive virtual visit.

TICKETS

Ages 0-2  NO ENTRY
Ages 3-5 Free
Ages 6-12 € 6.50
Over age 13: € 9.50
Evening / aperitif: € 13.00

Compulsory guided tours from April to December: every Sunday at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm.
- November closed.
- For groups (minimum of 15 paying persons) open daily with reservation and entrance fee of € 6.50 per person.
- Groups min. 15 people € 6.50 each
- Workshops for up to 50 participants: € 100.00