Důl Wannieck Mine

Důl Wannieck, located on the cadastral territory of the village Kamenné Žehrovice, is a historical monument that testifies to the rich past of the Czech coal industry. Originally named after Friedrich Wannieck, President of the Board of Directors of the Prague Iron Society (PŽS), the mine was built between 1912 and 1916. Its main purpose was to serve as the main airhole for the Schöller mine, which underlines its strategic role in the regional coal industry.

The history of the mine is closely linked to the development of industrial revolution and industrialization in Central Europe. The coal industry played a key role in the economic growth of the Czech countries, reflecting the global trend towards the rapid development of energy and infrastructure. The mine was built by the Prague Iron Company, which decided in 1909 on its construction as the main airholes for the Schöller mine. The depth began on 24 December 1912 and the depth was completed on 30 August 1914, with the final depth reaching 432.35 metres.

Architecturally, the Wannieck mine is characterized by its circular pit with a diameter of 5,46 metres and reinforced concrete blocks according to the patent Ing. Neubaera. An iron lifting tower was built above the pit, which still attracts attention with its historical value. In the years of the 20th century, there were several architectural changes: the builders Ladislav Ullmann and Josef Picek rebuilt the workshops into bathrooms and built a new mining building. In the 1960s, a new boiler room was built.

Důl Wannieck has undergone several changes in ownership and naming. After his opening, he was named after Friedrich Wannieck, President of the Board of Directors of PJS. In 1946 he was renamed Mine General Svoboda and in 1962 the Mine Inedible II. The mining was completed in 1982, which meant the end of its operation as a coal mine.

Key events in the history of the mine Wannieck include completion of the construction and the beginning of regular mining in 1916. In 1938-1939, an electrical mining machine was transferred from the Theodor mine in Pchery, indicating technological progress in the operation of the mine. An important change was also the submining and decline of the Turyňské pond, which led to the creation of the Great Floods.

Today, the mine of Wannieck is an already dormant object, its pit has been destroyed by the powder and closed by the iron-concrete lump. Although mining is over, its historical value and architectural elements still attract the attention of historians and tourists. The mine area included a representative villa for the CEO, which underlines its former importance and prestige.

Důl Wannieck is an example of the industrial past of the Czech countries and its historical value is worth visiting. Its architectural elements and history are an important reminder of the time when the coal industry played a key role in the economic development of the region. Visiting this object is a way back to the past and understanding important aspects of Czech history.