Měkké doly Mine

Měkké doly are archaeological sites located in the forest area between the station Zlaté Hory and the lark stream, close to the state border with Poland. This site is known for its remains of soft mining from the 16th century when gold was extracted in underground works. Měkké doly is a part of the Zlatohora mining teaching trail and protected as a cultural monument.

The history of soft mines is closely linked to gold mining in the Golden Mountains, which has changed over the years according to technical progress and external events. After a period of downturn in the 15th century, when mining was disrupted by water inflows and insufficient pumping methods, the miners turned to the original river paddy. At the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, the upper parts of the rice pits were harvested, which led to the miners having to go deep. In underground works, equipped with waterproof machines, golden-bearing streams were found covered with sediment of glacial origin.

In 1550 Bishop Baltazar z Promnitz gave a rake draining stol Three kings to help with the water supply problem. It was referred to as one of the longest of its time and its cost covered the gold obtained during the stamping. The hill was supposed to reach the Soft Cells mine, which took place in 1600. In this mine, in 1591 and 1890, two gold lounges weighing 1.39 and 1.78 kg were found, which were donated to Emperor Rudolf II.

Mining in the soft cess mine was completed in 1609 due to the water flow. Mining on other soft mines continued until the 30-year war, but subsequent events such as plague, witch trials and other military conflicts led to the decline of mining in the Golden Mountains. In the 18th century more copper was extracted than gold and the mining waters produced vitriol. Mining privileges were abolished by Maria Terezia in 1752, which meant the end of mining in this area.

After World War II, gold and polymetallic ores were recovered, which ended in 1993. Today, the Měkké doly is a protected archaeological site, which is part of the Zlatohora mining teaching trail and attracts people interested in the history of mining.

Měkké doly is an important monument not only because of its archaeological potential, but also as a testament to technical innovations and economic changes in mining. For visitors, they offer an opportunity to explore the history of gold mining and to understand how technology and society evolved over the centuries.

The monument is now accessible and offers valuable insight into the past. It is a place that is worth visiting for every quitter who is interested in the history of mining and technical progress in Europe.