Mine Tour: Mining heritage of Labin

Labin invites you to learn
In the eastern part of Istria, at a distance of only three kilometres from the sea, lies the medieval town of Labin. It is a town of rich cultural and historical heritage and a unique combination of natural beauty for an active holiday with magnificent gastronomic symphonies provided by numerous local restaurants and taverns.

The city is divided into two parts: the old and the new part. The old part of town is located on a hill situated at 320 m above sea level and with a very picturesque appearance. The new part, located at the foot of the hill, is of interesting architecture created as a reflection of centuries of mining.

Doors of St. Flora represent the entrance to the Old Town and the inspiring story of the place, its historical and cultural tradition. Imbued with the past, yet looking to the future, the Labin tradition breathes all year round through colourful galleries, studios, traditional crafts, small family hotels, restaurants and wine shops.

History of mining heritage
The population in the southern part of the Labin region started mining almost 400 years ago. Ever since then, mining in these areas has been continuously developing. Not only people from Labin and the surrounding area found employment here, but also people from the whole of Istria.

Labin mining reached its peak after the First World War when Labin mines were known as being the most modern in Europe, and employing more than 10,000 workers. Record production was reached in 1942 with 1,158,000 tons of coal.

After the Second World War, Istrian coal miners played a very important role in the post-war reconstruction. However, large coal reserves caused a decline in coal production, and in the 1970s the mine began to be gradually closed. Most of the mines were closed in the 1980s, mostly due to unprofitability, while mining production has been continued by the new company, Istrian Coal Mines Tupljak. Unfortunately, in 1999, they also closed the pit, which also resulted in the closure of the last coal mine in Croatia.

»» The Republic of Labin
»» Mine Tour: Labin Miners’ Square
»» Šoht, the steel tower
»» Experience of mining heritage and tradition

• The Mine Tour project addresses the challenge of the untapped tourist potential of a mining heritage. The Šoht cultural monument in Labin and the natural monument of the Sitarjevec mine in Litija (Slovenia) are connected by a cross-border connection and a common mining past. As part of the project, a tourist itinerary was developed that connects the mining heritage of both cities. www.mine-tour.eu