Descend into the depths of the Grande Miniera di Serbariu, the site that shaped the economy of the Sulcis from 1937 to 1964 and was one of Italy’s main energy resources. The complex, restored and renovated for museum and educational purposes, now houses the Museo del Carbone di Carbonia.
The guided tour of the tunnel is a journey back in time. The guide tells you about the work and daily lives of the miners and of the women sorters, while showing you how coal mining techniques evolved at Serbariu, from the 1930s until the mine closed, in settings faithfully recreated with period tools and large machinery. The route continues with a visit to the Sala Argani (the winding house), which holds the machine once used to operate the descent and ascent of the cages in the shafts, carrying miners and mine cars, empty or loaded with coal. The hall is currently closed for works.
At the end of the guided tour, you can explore the Lampisteria (the lamp room) at your own pace. It houses the permanent exhibition on the history of coal, of the mine and of the city of Carbonia. Here you will find a rich collection of miners’ lamps, work tools, everyday objects, photographs, documents, period films and video interviews with the miners.
Upcoming Appointments
- Guided underground tour (mine tunnel)
- Self-guided visit of the museum exhibition (Lampisteria)
- The museum does not provide a cloakroom service, so visitors must keep jackets, bags, backpacks, etc. with them for the entire duration of the visit.
- The Sala Argani is currently closed to visitors due to ongoing works.
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes
Accessibility: Yes
Duration: 1 hour
Minimum number of people: 1
Maximum Number of People: 20
