Malacalzetta Mine: from San Benedetto to the mining village
Would you like to discover an ancient mine? The Malacalzetta mine tells a story that begins in the 18th century, with pickaxe marks like scars from its past. The trek to reach it starts from the village of San Benedetto, where you’ll explore old mining paths surrounded by the natural landscape of the Iglesiente area, until you arrive at the remains of the Malacalzetta village, frozen in the time when lead and zinc were mined.

Transport

Travel by your own vehicle to the starting point of the hike

Walking distance

11 km round trip

Elevation gain

370 m

Duration

6 hours, breaks included

Difficulty

Easy*

Availability

Spring, Autumn, Winter

The Iglesiente is an ancient land shaped by mining, and the Malacalzetta mine is a quiet, little-visited place full of stories and legends. On this circular hike, you will explore the mine and its namesake village, discovering the stories that once echoed through its underground tunnels and were passed down by the people who lived there.

We will start from San Benedetto, a small village that is still inhabited today and clearly shows its mining past, and walk towards Malacalzetta. Here, you will see the ruins of a 19th-century village, hidden among hills and mountains. As we walk among old buildings, tunnels, and remains of mineral processing structures, you will learn about the daily life and hard work of the miners of the past.

* Difficulty: Easy. The route has no technical difficulties and follows well-marked, easy trails throughout.

PRICE: €60.00 / PERSON (MIN. 2 PEOPLE)

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Mandatory
– Hiking boots
– At least 1.5 liters of water
– Windproof and waterproof jacket
– Packed lunch and snacks
– Technical/sportswear

Recommended
– Sunscreen
– Hat
– Sunglasses

MEETING POINT

San Benedetto, Piazza della Rotonda
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZRC4ddmynLbuPPgs7

HIKE STARTING POINT

San Benedetto, Piazza della Rotonda
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZRC4ddmynLbuPPgs7

PLEASE NOTE

– Transportation to the starting point of the hike is not included and is the responsibility of the participants.

– The guide reserves the right to refuse participants who do not have the mandatory equipment.

A good level of physical fitness, suitable for this type of hike, is required.

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