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Cagliari: Porto Flavia from Chia

5 (2)
Chia, IT
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Cagliari: Porto Flavia from Chia

5 (2)
Chia, IT
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Experience the fascinating history of mining operations in the Sulcis area with the Cagliari: Porto Flavia tour from Chia. Discover the rich resources of coal, sulphur, barium, zinc, lead, silver, and other metals that have shaped this region of Sardinia since the 1600s. Immerse yourself in the stories of the miners and their struggles as you explore the Masua hub, a complex of mining operations. Marvel at the low-technology methods used in the early days and witness the advancements in mining efficiency brought about by north-European corporations in the late 1800s. With an expert guide in English, French, Portuguese, or Italian, you will gain insight into the importance of zinc and lead extraction for post-World War I reconstruction. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned minivan with free wifi, and the use of a helmet for your safety. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of mining history in Sardinia.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 4 hours - 5 hours
  • Suitable for 1-5 Participants
  • Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Explore the historic Masua mining hub
  • Admire the stunning Sardinian coastline
  • Learn about the region's rich mining history
  • Enjoy a comfortable and air-conditioned minivan transportation
  • Experience a professional and multilingual guide
  • Bottled water
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan with free wifi on board, due to availability, please be aware that for groups of more than 8 participants vehicles used in the excursions may be different from description and vary at the management's discretion.
  • Use of helmet
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off only for Chia area
  • Insurance
  • Professional guide in english, french, portuguese and italian
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks, unless specified

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Welcome to the fascinating world of mining operations in the Sulcis area of Sardinia. Get ready to embark on a thrilling tour that will take you back in time and explore the rich history of coal, zinc, lead, and other metal extraction in this region. The Masua hub, once a complex of mining operations, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the past and witness the evolution of mining technology.

What to expect?

During this tour, expect to be amazed by the remnants of the mining operations that shaped the Sulcis area. Marvel at the coal caves and learn about the low-technology methods employed by miners in the early 1900s. Discover how the extraction of metals like zinc and lead became more advanced, thanks to the influence of north-European corporations.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those curious about the industrial heritage of Sardinia. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this experience will captivate you with its unique insights and immersive exploration.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of mining operations and gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the Sulcis area. With a professional guide fluent in English, French, Portuguese, and Italian, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and truly engage with the fascinating stories and facts. The tour also includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in the Chia area, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

Good to know

Be prepared for an air-conditioned minivan ride with free WiFi on board, allowing you to stay connected and share your experience with friends and family. Helmets will be provided for your safety during the exploration. Additionally, all taxes, fees, and insurance are included in the package.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on this tour have praised it for its informative and engaging nature. They have appreciated the knowledgeable guides who bring the history of mining operations to life. Visitors have also commended the seamless organization and convenient transportation provided throughout the excursion. Overall, guests have expressed their satisfaction with the tour, stating that it exceeded their expectations and left them with a deeper appreciation for the rich mining heritage of the Sulcis area.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Bitan - Daily Tours

Starting from Chia you will enjoy an amazing ride (1.5 hour) through the panoramic road towards Iglesias.

Porto Flavia

We'll see how a special crew of miners expert in explosives and rock climbing was assembled. They worked in shifts, day and night, to complete the excavations in record time. Despite safety measures being practically ignored to speed up work, no casualties were reported in the building phase. Because the tunnel was without angles or trenches, the usual technique for dynamite-drilling was impossible (the crew used those angles and trenches as shelter while blowing up charges just a few meters away). Instead, small cavities were excavated at regular distances to allow the workers to gain cover after igniting explosives. They are still visible in the guided tour. The workers began drilling the upper gallery, 37 metres (121 ft) above sea-level, with dynamite and mechanical drills (many mines at the time mostly used pickaxes) until they reached the sea. They then hung from ropes and began drilling the lower tunnel from the cliff-face, 16 metres (52 ft) above sea-level, going the opposite direction under the upper gallery. This way, they could dump the removed rocks directly into the sea. Finally, the reservoirs were excavated by creating holes in the basaltic rock, starting from the bottom of the cavities and going up. This again eased the removal of rubble, although this procedure was very dangerous. Each storage reservoir was 4 to 8 metres (13 to 26 ft) in diameter and 20 metres (66 ft) high. Venting holes were opened on the side of the galleries. Mechanical iron hatches were installed, along with the electric railway into the upper tunnel. The train brought the ore to the loading hatches of the reservoirs, while in the lower tunnel the unloading hatches fed the ore to the conveyor belt leading to the ships. The belt was covered with a steel casing to prevent the wind blowing away zinc oxide powder. It was extensible, and retracted after a load was delivered to the ship's hold. The main conveyor belt featured an innovative movable alignment system, designed to reduce the risk of the belt escaping the driving wheels under the pressure of the falling ore. The main belt dumped the ore on the slightly lower extensible conveyor belt, which could be protruded for 15 metres (49 ft) and channeled the ore powder into a vertical shaft going to the hold of a moored ship. Construction took only two years, ending in 1924, a remarkably short period of time for a work of that size. The ends of the tunnels facing the sea were adorned with concrete towers and decorative nameplates. They were not necessary to the operation, but were asked to be constructed by the owner of the company as a mark of prestige. Vecelli's daughter, Flavia, was born earlier in 1924 and the engineer named his best job with his daughter's name.

Admission Included

Chia

Your local guide will be keen to make the tour as personal as possible. He will assist you with his expertise and recall interesting anecdotes for you before driving you back to your hotel.

Reviews

(2)

5 (2)

633verenap

An incredible and humbling experience to tour this almost haunted, historical place. Our guide was super friendly, understanding for our limitations due to age and an unlimited source of information on everything Sardinian. It was a great experience. Thank you so much, Junior. The Pelch’s on June 10, 2022

Patrickj13012

Mon commentaire n est pas destiné à cette organisation d excu mais A LA PERSONNE DE LA BILLETTERIE ACHETEZ VOS EXCUS AVEC EUX
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-04 00:46