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Monteponi mine in Iglesias has been one of the largest on the island since 1850, extremely active in the lead and silver mining sector. After decades of prosperous activity, it was closed in the 1990s and today it looks like a disused array of ore extraction facilities.

It is still possible to visit the two factories dedicated to the processing of raw ore. There is also the elegant Bellavista building, the true symbol of the mine and a university facility since 1997; behind it, there’s a terraced garden overlooking the valley below. Visitors may also enjoy the Quintino Sella and Vittorio Emanuele wells, named after two famous figures who massively invested in mining – despite their industrial destination, the two structures still feature their elegant style of classical inspiration, with gables, pilasters and elegant frames. Last but not least, a visit should be paid also to the Villamarina tunnel, excavated in 1852 at 570 ft above sea level.

The calcination ovens and the large outdoor excavation pit (connected to several tunnels) are located next to the service buildings which include an old hospital, a church, a kindergarten, and a school.

Upstream, the accumulation of red mud is still visible as the waste produced by the electrolytic treatment of zinc – the Superintendence of the Environmental Heritage of Cagliari is currently taking care of it.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)