Guided Tour of the Rumo Silver Mine

A journey into the medieval underground of Val di Non

The Guided Tour of the Rumo Silver Mine is one of the most evocative cultural experiences in the Municipality of Rumo, a small village nestled among the apple orchards and forests of Val di Non, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige region). Every Saturday, from mid-May to late September, an expert guide leads visitors to discover a mining heritage that dates back to the 13th century, when the Maddalene mountains held a precious treasure: silver galena, the mineral from which silver was extracted.

History: The Canopi and the Prince-Bishop's silver

The Rumo mines tell a fascinating chapter of medieval Trentino. To extract the precious metal, the Prince-Bishop of Trento called upon the best miners of the era, experts from Germany known as Bergknappen, from which the Italian term Canopi derives. Using only metal tools and fire, these men carved tunnels into the rock that still preserve the memory of their labor today. The tunnel visited, approximately 80 meters long, is normally closed and accessible only with authorized accompaniment to ensure the safety of participants.

Two routes: short and long tours

The program offers two itineraries tailored to different needs:

• Short tour (approx. 2 hours): meeting point at Corte Inferiore di Rumo, in the Tre Strade area, with a walk through the woods to the silver galena mine.
• Long tour (approx. 4 hours): departure from Marcena di Rumo, at the Cassa Rurale parking lot, to explore both mines along the ancient miners' trails.

During the tour, the guide explains extraction techniques, the geology of the Maddalene area, and the daily life of the miners. The visit can be combined with discovering other treasures in Rumo, such as the church of San Udalrico and Palazzo Aliprandini.

An experience for the whole family

Presented as a guided family trek, the activity combines the naturalistic discovery of the Val di Non forests with the thrill of entering a real medieval mining site. A protective helmet is provided to each participant at the entrance. Inside, the climate is cool and damp: trekking boots, sportswear, and a waterproof jacket are recommended. The activity is organized by APT Val di Non in collaboration with the local association A.te.m.a. Rumo.

Why visit the Rumo mine

In a region famous for its apples and alpine landscapes, Rumo preserves a lesser-known but fascinating chapter of Trentino's history: silver mining in the Middle Ages. The guided tour transforms a simple hike into an adventure through nature, history, and mystery, ideal for those seeking an authentic and unique experience in the heart of Val di Non.