Ghremnitz is a small town with large suburbs. It is famous for its high location, and St. John’s Church nearby is thought to stand on the highest ground in Hungary. Despite its small size, Ghremnitz is historically significant as one of the oldest mining towns in the region. It is also the richest town for gold among the seven major mining towns of the area, which include Schemnitz, Ghremnitz, Newfels, Ewingsberg, Rochantz, Libeten, and Tiln Observing Sulphur and Mineral Vapors.
History of Gold Mining
Gold mining in Ghremnitz has been going on for approximately 950 years. The mine itself is very large, stretching about nine or ten English miles in length. There is a single long horizontal passage called the Erbstadl, which is about 800 fathoms long. The mine reaches a depth of over 170 fathoms, making it one of the deepest mines in Hungary.
Unlike many other mines, they do not use ladders to go down. Instead, miners and visitors are lowered into the mine using a cable attached to a leather seat. The seat is broad and divided into two or three sections, making it adjustable for comfort. Even people who are not used to it can sit safely without difficulty.
The Mine Shafts
There are six main vertical shafts in Ghremnitz:
Rodolphus
Queen Anne
Ferdinand
Matthias
Windfebackt
Leopold
I entered the mine through the Emperor Rodolphus Shaft. I was gently lowered by a large turning wheel attached to the cable, descending 108 fathoms into the earth. After spending several hours inside the mine, I was brought back up through Leopold’s Shaft, which rises more than 150 fathoms—a height greater than a third of the Great Pyramid of Giza Customized Private Turkey Tours.
Observations Inside the Mine
Even though I was very deep underground, I did not feel uneasy. Considering that I was still over three thousand miles from the center of the town, it felt more like being in a well than a massive mine. The walls and supports of the mine are reinforced with fir trees, one laid upon another, providing strength and stability. The careful construction allows miners to work safely at such great depths.
Ghremnitz remains a remarkable example of human ingenuity and perseverance. Its centuries-long mining tradition and deep, well-structured mines demonstrate both the skill and courage of the miners. Even today, the town is remembered for its historical wealth, its gold, and the impressive engineering of its underground workings.
