Mysterious Peca underground
You will drive into the heart of the mine, where the ray of natural light never shines, equipped like real miner or knap – with a helmet, flash light and overcoat. Here, mining tradition goes as far back as the Romans. It is said that dwarves rule the pitch dark and, if you can just stop for a moment and focus, you might even notice Parkmandeljc or hear the hollow sounds of the lost miners and their hammers. You will explore the tunnels, observe the exhibited and preserved equipment and learn about the miner's work day or knapovski šiht. Several kilometres of the path also encompass numerous natural geological surprises and features. Machinery and tools were excavating lead and zinc up to 1994. You can take a train ride just like in the olden days with the mine railway. The adrenaline thirsty can cycle from one valley to another on the 5-kilometre trail under Mount Peca or explore the flooded tunnels with kayaks.
Take a peek in the knap dwelling
The light from the carbide lamps faded at Glančnik, where the miners stepped into the wagons and rode the mine railway several hundred metres deep under the mountain. What did the miners wear, where did they sleep and what did they cook? The hard work in the cave clearly demanded good rest and refreshment. Everything will be answered in the stories about the life of the miners and the items exhibited in the mining museum, which is located at the entrance to the mine. And next to the museum you will find the Geopark Information Centre, which is the central and starting point of any subterranean activity.
Who shall awaken King Matjaž?
The legends tell of a wealthy and just king, who once ruled the Slovenian region. When the Turks attacked these lands from the East, King Matjaž and his army fought them bravely, yet the soldiers fell one by one, until only a few men stood with the king. Realising the Turks were too strong, he fled with his army and, since he was a just king, he was not killed in battle, instead the mountain opened up and engulfed him. There he sleeps now behind a table, with his soldiers, and when his beard has encircled the table nine times, the king shall be awakened, and he will return to save his people.
Meet the ichthyosaurus, who lived 220 million years ago
During the rock formation of the Mežica mines, the ichthyosaurus stomped this land. Today, you can look at its vertebrae at the nearby mining and geological museum, as well as the numerous rocks and examples depicting what nature has created over millions of years. At the King Matjaž Experience Park (next to the Geopark Information Centre) the youngest can climb the crystal-shaped climbing wall and learn some more about the king’s secrets.
