The Mine of

During my visit in Zacatecas, besides the great cultural potential of the area, I was attracted by many tourist attractions. These include the Mina El Eden - the largest silver mine in the area. I couldn't miss the opportunity!

Located only 10 minutes away from the city's historic center. Once there I was amazed by the way of entry into the mine. It's not any simple entrance.... A small train will take you to the heart of this underground.

Armed with helmets and coordinated by a guide we started the exploration ..... Let's look for the Mexican silver !!!

They began to explore the Mina in 1586, forty years after the founding of the city. Its boom time came during the sixteenth and eighteenth century where its production consisted mostly of silver, gold, copper, zinc, iron and lead.

Once inside, I was very pleasantly surprised. The Mine of El Eden, is quite spectacular. After little train ride, we arrived in the mine museum where you can see a large range of crystals that were extracted here. In different colors and sizes, the crystals are exposed in showcases and on different categories.

From the museum is made the gradual transition towards the inside of the mine. They presented us all the techniques of mining, the harsh living conditions, some survival methods and some history. It features a total of 7 floors but the tour takes place on the 4th floor, from where you can see how the lower levels of the mine still are flooded.

Depending on the time periods, we saw how the miners worked. Since childhood, people, especially men, were brought into the mine. The children were involved in care of the animals that were underground, while their fathers were involved in the extraction of the minerals and taking them to the surface. It was not easy work! Also here you will discover the unimaginable life of the Indian slaves that worked here.

Many people died because of heavy conditions, misery, floods, crumbling walls. The mine was accessed with a system of ropes. The miners carried a load of 30 to 40 kilos of mineral on their backs out of the mine. Unfortunately many miners do not reach the surface. Average life span: 35 years! Woooow!!!

What surprised me was, that although the dynamite appeared at that time, this mine never used it.

The mine stopped working in the 1960s, because of the urbanization, flooding and its proximity to the city.

This original tourist center was opened to the public in early 1975s, with some adaptations, such as suspension bridges, rail access, stairs, balconies, performances of mining, myths and legends and lighting and a nightclub called "La Mina Club" which is the only club in the world located inside a mine.

The mine is so big inside, that I recommend to take some comfortable walking shoes, a jacket or pullover and don't forget to take your cameras.
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