The work of setting up the Mines Park uncovered a series of mine workings more than 300–400 years old. By studying the spoil heaps on the ground, several adit galleries were identified. Dealul Minei in Baia Sprie is literally riddled with dozens of galleries, mostly dug by hand, to open access to the main gold-bearing vein. Centuries ago, these workings were dug by heating the rock with fire and cooling it suddenly; large blocks of rock could then be broken off, and the miners advanced with chisel and hammer. Clearing soil and vegetation from the old workings found next to the spoil heaps revealed five such adits. Four of them had collapsed, so their location has been marked with a few wooden supports. One gallery, however, opened up in depth, untouched by time. It runs for about 30 m before it meets the vein. From there a stope opens along the vein, which cavers have explored for 200 m. In the stope you can see how the gold- and silver-bearing ore was extracted, as well as mined-out pockets of native gold.
The Mines Park
Since 2025, Dealul Minei has been part of the Mines Park (Parcul Minelor) — 80 hectares of forest designated as a forest park and laid out by Baia Sprie Town Hall as Romania's first mining theme park. The old mine workings, viewpoints and geological sites are linked by marked themed trails.
Getting there
The starting point is the car park at the end of Crișan Street in Baia Sprie, where there is an information point and a map of the park. Three marked trails start from there: the Main Trail, the Short Mining Circuit and the trail to Francisc Shaft. Details on routes and bookings at parculminelor.ro.
Visiting the galleries
The underground galleries may be entered only with specialised guides and proper equipment. Visits are made possible by the specialists of the Montana Caving Club and must be booked in advance. Never enter an old gallery alone: these workings are centuries old, with collapsed sections and unsecured voids.
The four collapsed galleries are marked on the surface with wooden supports, so that their course remains visible even though the entrances are no longer accessible. The gallery that survived intact and the stope explored by cavers for about 200 metres are the ones that can be visited, with a guide.
Photo gallery
