A journey through geological and industrial history The journey through the history of the Rosas Mine begins more than 500 million years ago, during the Paleozoic era, when the first strands of minerals such as galena and blende formed deep in the Earth's crust. With the Hercynian orogeny, about 200 million years later, massive tectonic movements led to the upwelling of granitic magma, transforming and fracturing pre-existing rocks. In these fractures formed the rich mineralized veins that made Rosas famous. The modern history of the site began in 1832, when Enzo Perpignano, an entrepreneur from Iglesias, discovered the deposit. The official concession came in 1851, sanctioning the start of lead and zinc mining. Over the decades, the site became a vital center for the Sardinian mining industry, with a workers' village built between 1887 and 1908 to house miners and families. Today, the Rosas Mine is a place that preserves the memory of the past through an immersive museum tour, restored facilities, and activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the mining life of the 1800s and 1900s. What to see at the Rosas Mine 1. The Mining Village The village, built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, served as the social heart of the mine. Here, simple and functional homes for the miners were constructed using local materials such as schist stone and lime. Each house had two main rooms: the kitchen and a bedroom. These homes, now restored, offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the families who worked and lived in Rosas. Today, some of the village's structures have been converted into accommodations, offering visitors the opportunity to stay in an authentic environment, immersed in history and nature. 2. Santa Barbara Tunnel A scenic tour that allows you to explore approximately 200 meters of one of the main tunnels in the mining complex. Here you can see the various excavation techniques used over the decades, from chestnut wood shoring to the use of explosives and drilling machines. The tour offers a unique insight into the hard work of miners, highlighting the ingenuity and hard work required to extract minerals from rock. 3. The Washing Plant The washing plant was the hub of mining operations, the place where the extracted ore was crushed, washed, and prepared for shipment. Built in 1882 and expanded over the years, it features an imposing structure with schist walls, cast-iron pillars, and a roof made of wood and corrugated metal. Through careful restoration, the original machinery has been restored to its working state, giving visitors a realistic view of the ore processing. 4. Calcination Kiln This massive truncated-conical kiln made of shale stone was used to process zinc ore and lime. Inside the combustion chamber, materials such as lumber and ore were alternated in layers to achieve optimum calcination. Today the kiln is a unique testament to the mining engineering of the time. 5. Historic Buildings: guesthouse, school, and chapel At the highest point of the site are buildings intended for community use, such as the guesthouse for bachelor workers, an elementary school, and a small chapel. These buildings, constructed of poor materials but integrated into the landscape, tell the social dimension of life in the mining village. 6. Explosives depot and storage warehouse On the way to the tunnel, it is possible to visit the explosives depot, a small building constructed with precautions to ensure safety. Not far away, the storage warehouse preserves traces of the weighing and transport operations of the processed ore. 7.Workshops and External Crusher The workshops housed crucial activities such as the carpentry shop, forge, and compressor room. The external crusher, installed in 1962, on the other hand, was used for primary crushing of ore, a crucial step in processing. A cultural and natural experience The Rosas Mine is more than a museum: it is a living place, where Sardinia's industrial history is intertwined with the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore "memory trails" through guided treks, stay in historic lodgings, and discover fascinating details about the work and life of the mining community.