St. Barbara - patron saint of miners (Mining Trail 27)

The life of St. Barbara is only known from legends. She probably lived in the 3rd/4th century in what is now Turkey and is considered a martyr of early Christianity. She is often depicted with a tower, a chalice or a sword. Her day of remembrance is December 4.

According to legend, Barbara was secretly baptized, although her father strictly refused. On the run from him, she is said to have found shelter in a crevice. This story explains its special significance for the miners: just as Barbara found refuge in the rock, they also hoped that the mountain would open up and clear the way to the ore. This is how St. Barbara became one of the most important patron saints of the mining industry. The traditional miner's greeting "Glück auf!" is closely linked to this belief.

The veneration of St. Barbara also has a long tradition in the former mining area. Churches, depictions and windows commemorate her. To this day, old customs such as the cutting of Barbara's branches, church services and gatherings of former miners are held around December 4.

Every year on December 4, St. Barbara's Mass is celebrated underground in the Ramsbeck visitor mine.