Mining archaeology in the Bastenberg (Mining Trail 10)

Archaeological investigations at the Venetianerstollen in 2011 showed that the tunnel originally extended much further than is visible today. Several construction phases were found below today's mouth hole: An older gallery dates from the High Middle Ages (11th-13th century), a more recent one from the 18th century. Ceramic finds and charcoal confirm these dates.

The Venetianerstollen is 154 meters long underground. Parts of it were over-mined in the 18th and 19th centuries. In some areas, original traces of excavation are still visible, some of which were caused by fire setting. Radiocarbon analyses prove that mining was carried out here as early as the 10th-12th centuries.

The name "Venetianerstollen" led to many legends. The so-called "Venetians" were regarded as mysterious ore prospectors with special knowledge of mining and metal processing. There is historical evidence that Italian experts were active in European mining from the 13th century onwards. Their special knowledge was often mystified, giving rise to numerous legends that have been passed down to this day.