CZ: Pribram – Miners' Town of Brezove Hory

Something about of the History

The Brezove Hory were independent up until the year 1953. The town has kept its typical mining looks till the present day. The first documented evidence comes from the 14th century. However, Princess Libuse saw this this hill containing silver covered with birches in her prophecy. Today, in this former mining compound, there is the largest miners museum in the country.

Sevcinsky mine headframe is one of the most valuable structures. It is even recommended to be listed in UNESCO. Today, you can get to its top and see the landscape for yourselves. Anna mine is among other compounds open to the public are: Anna mie, Prokop mine, and Vojtech mine. Vojtech mine holds a world record. It was here where a vertical mine reached the depth of 1 kilometer in 1875. It was under J. A. Alis, an engineer of Vysoka Pec (a square in Brezova Hora bears his name). However, the region is linked to a much more unhappy event, one of the largest mine disasters in the history. It happened in Maria mine in 1892 when there was a methan explosion. The consequential fire and carbon dioxide poisoning killed 319 miners.

Mining Museum

The museum is really extensive, and its impressive view will easily take you a whole day. One of the most famous attractions is a ride on a narrow-gauge mining train. One runs along the surface track from the Ševčínské mine area to the mouth of the Ševčínské transport tunnel (you have to go there on foot), the second train takes you to the Prokop pit.

In the common area of the former Prokop and Anna mines, routes including scavenging into the water table or the Jánské mine also begin. However, these circuits are more physically demanding - you'll go through water wheel chambers, through a narrow tunnel, and even climb a ladder, so don't try them with small children.  

Water mine of Anna links the Anna and Vojtech mines. You can go there without any worries with children. A tour begins at Vojtech mine. Visitors can climb up a headframe and see unique engine room featuring Breitfeld & Danek steam machine. At a miners' cabin, you can get your glimpse on the everyday life of a miner's family. Displays of crafts such as making of gingerbread cookies, or molybdomancy takes place here evry summer and easter. You can reach the cabin by going from Sevcinsky mine and by crossing Jarolimkovy gardens. The latter used to house miners and also operate a spa. The museum also features expositions on mineralogy, mining technology and local crafts.

Not much is known of Drkolnov tunnel features unique miners slide and a water wheel. It is situated about one and half kilometers off the Brezove Hory. The entrance gets lost among garages and housing project.

Churches and birch grove

Korab, a birch grove was respected by the miners. If a birch was cut down it would be severely fined. There is a miners' church of st Prokop on the hilltop. A miners' mass takes place here during Prokopska pilgrim's journey. You can easily get to the church from J. A. Alis square. There is the Renaissance revival church of St Vojtech. When going to Korab you pass by Master Jakoubek of Stribro church. The church tower is sometimes an observation tower.

GPS: 49°40'53.8"N 13°59'10.5"E

Text and photos: Eliška Gregorová