Heritage of Mercury

States
Slovenia | Spain
Category
Cultural
Year
2012
Region
Europe & North America
Coordinates
38.7752777778, -4.8388888889
Last Visited
Not visited yet
UNESCO ID
1313
WH Site
1313
Heritage of Mercury

Copyright © UNESCO/World Heritage Centre. All rights reserved.

Heritage of Mercury, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Slovenia and Spain, recognized in 2012, encompasses the historic mercury mines of Idrija and Almadén, the world’s largest, operational from antiquity to recent times. Featuring mines, smelting plants, and towns, it reflects centuries of mercury extraction that fueled intercontinental trade, notably aiding silver mining in the Americas. This transnational site showcases a unique socio-technical legacy, blending industrial innovation with cultural heritage across two nations.

📍 Location Map
Points (12)
  • Almadén - Old Town
  • Bullring
  • Gorenja Kanomilja – Kanomilja or Ovcjak Water Barrier
  • Idrija – Kamšt water pump with the Rake water channel and Kobila dam
  • Idrija – Old Town
  • Idrija – Smelting Plant
  • Idrijska Bela – Belca Water Barrier on the Belca creek (or Brus’s Water Barrier)
  • Idrijska Bela – Putrih’s Water Barrier on the Belca creek
  • Mina del Castillo Buildings
  • Royal Forced Labour Gaol
  • San Rafael Royal Hospital for Miners
  • Vojsko – Idrijca Water Barrier