INside Trepça
Overview
This tour provides a comprehensive look at the history and current state of mining in Mitrovica, as well as an opportunity to experience the local culture and way of life. First, the visit starts with the Trepça Industrial Park, which is a mostly abandoned complex in Mitrovica. After that, you will visit the National Museum of Crystals and Minerals, where you can see a wide variety of minerals from Trepça and other international mines. Then, you will enter the underground levels of Trepça mine and have an unforgettable experience. In the meantime you will see the mining process in action and learn about the challenges and risks involved in mining. Finally, you will visit Stantërg, which is a small neighborhood located near the Trepça mine. There, you can see how the locals lived in the time when the mine was thriving. This one-day tour offers an exceptional chance to gain insights into the historical aspects of Kosova, while also observing firsthand how the legacy of mining has affected the local communities across various facets such as the economy, society, and culture.
Industrial Park Trepça
The Industrial Park of Trepça is a historical and industrial heritage site located in Mitrovica which represents the modernity of the industry of Kosova. It is one of the most important industrial complexes in the Balkans and has played a significant role in the economic development of the region. The Industrial Park of Trepça encompasses a wide range of industrial facilities, including the first factory of batteries, private recycling businesses, ex-phosphate factories, power plants, as well as administrative and residential buildings. The mining industry employed more than twenty thousand (20.000) people and played a key role in the region’s economy. The Industrial Park of Trepça is unique for tourists, showcasing the region’s mining history and impact on the community.
The National Museum of Crystals and Minerals
The National Museum of Crystals and Minerals is located in the city of Mitrovica, in Stantërg. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including minerals, mining equipment, and artifacts, as well as a historical overview of the mining industry in Kosovo. One of the highlights of The National Museum of Crystals and Minerals is the collection and variety of minerals and crystals. These collections include a diverse range of specimens, such as some of the rarest minerals found in the country, as well as some of the largest and most beautiful crystals on display. Visitors can also see a layered map of the Trepça mine and its eleven horizons.
Mine
Trepça mine is a lead and zinc mine located in Stantërg in Kosovo, known for its rich mineral deposits and history of mining dating back to Roman times. It was developed into a major industrial complex during the 20th century. Since the 90s, the production of Trepça mines declined due to the suppression of Kosovo’s autonomy and the expulsion of Albanian workers by the regime of the time. The mine is still working, but with limited capacities. It’s a unique place to be visited, especially to experience the lifting down in the horizons of the mines when you can walk as a miner and have a unique experience.
Stantërg
Stantërg is a small settlement located in the municipality of Mitrovica. Stantërg was primarily built to support the mining operations in the Trepça mines. Stantërg settlement was built in the 1930s with British-style infrastructure. The infrastructure of the settlement gradually developed over time. There has been little investment in the infrastructure since the end of the war (1999) and the closure of the mine, and as a result, many of the buildings and facilities nowadays have fallen into disrepair. The neighborhoods such as “Kolonia” or “ Plloça” should be visited.
What’s Included
- Expert local tour guide narrative
- Transportation
- Entrance in: Trepça Mine, the National Museum of Crystals and Minerals
- Exploration of the ex-British architectural heritage and Saxon church of the XIII century
- Traditional lunch available with vegetarian options
- Souvenirs (postcards & crystals)
Tour extensions
- OUTside Trepça
- Purple Tour