Štola Starý Martin Mine

Štola Starý Martin is a historic mining monument located in the former upper town of Krupka, the Krušné Mountains, Teplice district. It is the remnants of the largest mining area in Steinknochen and belongs to the cultural monuments of the Czech Republic. Established in 1864, the mine was used to extract tin ores and now attracts visitors as a tour museum with a one-kilometer route. This monument is important not only by its history, but also by making one of the longest tin ore veins in Europe available.

The history of the stol dates back to the 14th century, when probably the mining of tin ores began in this place. The first written mention of the mining operation is contained in the Krupsky Mining Code of 1482, where there was talk of stamping and maintaining the Dürrholz's deep stol. This well was gradually expanded and reached approximately 1.5 kilometres in the mid-16th century. In 1864, the Chinese mines near Krupa were bought by the miners Schiller and Lewald, who began with the stamping of Old Martin's stones towards Luke's vein.

Architecturally, the bridge was gradually expanded and modernized. In the years 1916-1922 there was an increase in the profile of the stol and the introduction of rail transport, allowing for more efficient mining of rich parts of the Lukas vein. After the closure of the operation in 1922, the stale was lost, but during World War II it was re-engulfed and the conquest continued.

The property of the dimple has undergone several changes. After Schiller and Lewald the mine went to war operation Militarbergbau in Graupen in 1916, then in 1920 to the Škoda races in Pilsen and finally in 1922 to Hugo Mautner. The mining of tin in the mantelpiece was completed in the late 1950s, but in the 1960s, the new Martin exploration stalls began.

The key event in Old Martin's history was its declaration for cultural monument by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic on 21 January 2015, with effect from 19 February of the same year. Today it is accessible as a tour museum, offering a view of historical mining tools and techniques. The permanent exposure to mining tools provides visitors with an overview of the mining methods used in the past.

At present, the bridge is accessible as a sightseeing and mining museum. The one-kilometre route allows visitors to discover the history and technique of mining tin ores in the Erzgebirge Mountains. The tour is not only an educational experience but also a reminder of the industrial development of the region during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Štola Starý Martin is an important witness to the history of mining in the Czech Republic, offering a unique view of technical and cultural aspects of mineral mining. It is a place where everyone can learn more about the past and remember the importance of industrial development for the region. You can not only enjoy historical information but also appreciate efforts to preserve this important cultural heritage when visiting the Old Martin Stol.