Renaissance-era mining machine discovered in Jihlava

A newly uncovered medieval shaft in Jihlava will open to the public, offering a rare glimpse into the harsh early days of silver mining. The highlight will be a Renaissance-era mining machine likely dating to the reign of Emperor Rudolf II.

For the first time this summer, visitors will be able to descend into the St. George shaft beneath the summit of Šacberk hill. The site dates back to the beginnings of silver mining in the region in the 13th century and, according to historical records, reaches a depth of 60 to 80 meters. It was uncovered about two years ago. During recent clearing work, archaeologists identified a mining device likely dating to the reign of Emperor Rudolf II.

“What you can see in the walls—those narrow, almost tunnel-like passages—are the original adits from the earliest phase of silver mining around Jihlava,” says Deputy Mayor Radek Popelka. “The vertical profile is striking. Imagining miners crawling through there on their stomachs, in such confined space—it must have been extremely demanding work.” In some sections, he notes, the shaft measures just over a meter in height, though its profile varies.

The pumping machine discovered near the shaft entrance will remain underwater for conservation reasons. Plans are underway to connect the shaft with a reconstructed silver smelter. “The idea is to present the full process of ore treatment—from crushing and grinding to smelting—using functional replicas of period machinery,” Popelka explains.

Building the smelter replica is expected to take several more years.