Roman mine at Meurin

Germany / Rheinland-Pfalz / Kretz /
 museum, mine, Roman Empire
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The Romans excavated tuff at a depth of between 4 to 6 Meters. Modern excavation methods, which go significantly deeper, have destroyed most of the ancient quarries.
Fortunately the site at the Trassgrube Meurin near Kretz has been spared this fate. There are two places where the visitor has the opportunity to take a look at the underground workplaces of times gone by. Narrow galleries, poor light and dust laden air were all part of the daily routine for the miners. Only if you have been in these tunnels, can you imagine how life was for the workers in those times.
A small part – 55 x 45 meters of the old excavation site has been protected by means of a futuristic cantilever construction made of steel, glass and plastic. In this way a small remnant of the biggest Roman tuff excavation quarry north of the Alps can be protected from the effects of the local weather. (The volcano park projekt Roman mine Meurin belongs to the award winners of the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards 2003.)

Take the opportunity to experience a 2000 year old quarry.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   50°23'45"N   7°21'16"E

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This article was last modified 13 years ago