Deep beneath our feet, secrets of Freiberg’s silver mining past lie waiting to be discovered at St. Martin Kunstschacht. For over 800 years, Freiberg has been a hub of silver mining. This earned it the nickname “Germany’s Silver City”.
St. Martin Kunstschacht stands as a testament to this rich heritage. Imagine miners descending into the earth. They sought the precious metal that fueled Freiberg’s wealth. The mines here stretch far and wide. “Underground Freiberg” spans 30 square kilometers. Within that area lies an all-in-all route system of 2,000 km of ore lodes.
Freiberg’s mines became some of the largest and oldest silver mines in Saxony. Over the centuries, they produced about 8,000 tons of silver. St. Martin Kunstschacht played its part in this incredible output.
The Freiberg Mining Field is a large ore deposit of precious and non-ferrous metals. It measures roughly 35 x 40 kilometers. Mining started here in the 12th century. The region gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019. This was a recognition of its continuous extraction and technological advancements.
But St. Martin Kunstschacht is more than just a historical site. It embodies the spirit of innovation. The Freiberg Mining Field boasts a steadily developed water supply system. This system benefited the mining industry. It’s called the Revierwasserlaufanstalt Freiberg.
“Glück auf!” This miner’s greeting echoes through the centuries. It welcomes visitors to Freiberg and its mining history. As you stand at St. Martin Kunstschacht, remember the hard work. Remember the ingenuity that shaped this city. It’s a story etched in silver and stone.