The Coal Museum: a journey into the black heart of Sardinia

In the southwest of Sardinia, in a land marked by a glorious yet arduous industrial past, stands the Coal Museum of Carbonia. More than a museum, it is an emotional and profound journey into the depths of the earth and into human history — a heartfelt tribute to the generations of miners who devoted their lives to extracting this precious resource. Entering this place means coming face to face with the harsh reality of mining life, but also discovering the resilience and dignity of those who lived and worked here.

The Great Serbariu Mine: A Story of Hardship and Hope

The Coal Museum is housed within the Great Mine of Serbariu, one of the most important in Sardinia, opened in 1937 and active until 1964. This mine was not only a workplace but also the social and economic heart of the newly founded city of Carbonia, created specifically to support mining activity. The tunnels, halls, lamp rooms, and service buildings have been carefully preserved and restored, offering an authentic immersion into the mining environment. The exhibition path unfolds between surface areas and underground galleries, guided by experts — often former miners or their descendants — whose firsthand testimonies add invaluable depth and emotion to the experience.

• The Lamp Room: Here, miners collected and returned their carbide or electric lamps — a symbol of their working day and of the light that represented safety. This area introduces visitors to the daily life of a miner.

• The Hoist Room: The beating heart of the mine, where the movement of cages carrying men and coal deep underground was controlled. It reveals both the scale of the machinery and the ingenuity of human engineering.

• The Underground Galleries: The most evocative part of the visit — descending into one of the original tunnels. Here, visitors can observe different extraction systems, period tools, and the working conditions of miners. The damp air, near-total darkness broken only by the glow of lamps, and the echoing sounds create an atmosphere of striking realism.

• The Compressor Room: Another key area displaying the machines that produced the compressed air needed to power drilling tools.

Beyond Coal: Social History and Local Identity

The Coal Museum goes far beyond the technical aspects of mining — it tells the social story of the territory and the mine’s impact on people’s lives. Through photographs, documents, personal objects, and videos, visitors discover the life in early workers’ barracks, labor struggles, health issues faced by miners, and the crucial role of women and families in this challenging environment. The section dedicated to geology and paleontology enriches the visit, showcasing the ancient origins of coal and fossils found in the Sardinian subsoil.

A Beacon for the Future: Memory and Sustainable Development

Today, the Coal Museum of Carbonia is an important cultural and tourist center, preserving the memory of an era that shaped the identity of the Sulcis Iglesiente region. It serves as a place of reflection on the value of labor, safety, and sustainable energy for future generations.

· Address: Great Mine of Serbariu – SS 126, 09013 Carbonia (SU), Italy.

 (Please note: The museum is temporarily housed in the Auditorium building, between the PAS Paleontological Museum and Sotacarbo S.p.A.)

Opening Hours:

 • Winter Schedule (Sept 21 – June 20): Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (ticket office closes at 5:00 PM). Closed on non-holiday Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

 • Summer Schedule (June 21 – Sept 20): Daily, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (ticket office closes at 6:00 PM).

 • Note: Hours may vary; visitors are advised to check the official website for updates.

Tickets:

 • Full: €8.00 (includes guided underground tour)

 • Reduced: €6.00 (for visitors aged 6–12, over 65, groups of 25+, and “Carta Giovani” holders)

 • Free: Children under 6, visitors with disabilities and their companions

 • Combined Ticket: €15.00 (valid 60 days) — includes the Coal Museum, PAS Paleontological Museum, Monte Sirai Archaeological Park, and Villa Sulcis Archaeological Museum

Contacts:

 • Phone: +39 0781 62727

 • Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

 • Website: www.museodelcarbone.it

Cover photo credits: Official Website