MONTE NARBA MINES

The excursion to the Monte Narba mine in San Vito is dedicated to adventure enthusiasts, industrial archaeology aficionados, and lovers of… Secret Sardinia!
Already known in the 18th century, from the mid-19th century, Monte Narba became one of Italy’s main deposits of lead and silver.

The village was built in 1864 when the mine was granted to the Lanusei Company. It was a veritable small town: there was a telephone, electricity, houses for employees and executives, a hospital, carpentry, and a mechanical workshop. The buildings have suffered significant collapses, making it difficult to explore the interiors, especially regarding Villa Madama, the beautiful three-story palace where the director was housed. In the building that housed the administrative office, it is still possible to admire the frescoed walls and ceilings, the work of an Austrian major. The frescoes date back to 1916 when, during World War I, this place hosted a contingent of Austrian prisoners. And the major, to overcome boredom, unleashed his art by beautifying these palaces.

Seeing them today, almost a century later, is particularly impressive, especially given the context of total abandonment and decay. Despite decades of exposure to the elements, they still retain vivid colors and one could say they were just created. In the late 19th century, due to the depletion of veins and competition from other silver mines, the mine fell into a crisis. Some mineshafts were closed, but the search continued in the hope of discovering new veins. Later on, the mine changed hands from one company to another, although its end probably came before the new century began.

In 1935, the concession was revoked. From there, it was definitively abandoned. An agricultural company was established in the village, and perhaps the last testament to that period is a completely rusted tractor partially covered by debris found in what was once the mine’s workshop. We hope that local authorities and relevant organizations take charge of this gem of industrial archaeology immersed in a context of wild Mediterranean vegetation. Despite its decadence, the site exudes a glorious and charming mining past.

Located about 30 km from Tiliguerta Glamping & Camping Village, in the direction of Tortolì, one exits at San Vito and continues towards Muravera. Shortly after the bridge (indicated by a sign), turn right and drive for a couple of kilometers, then turn left and cross a dam, following an unpaved road that leads directly to the mine.

Adults drawn to the charm of industrial archaeology, aware that they cannot venture without a guide as the buildings have not been secured, and collapses are frequent. Historical source: www.sardegnaabbandonata.it