Starting from the evocative Palazzo delle Miniere, the trail winds its way to the entrance of the “Friole” gallery of the Transacqua siderite mine, once known as “Monte Vecchio.” Through this journey between nature and memory, visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating story of Primiero’s mining tradition, discovering how this activity shaped the land and its people.
Begin your exploration of Primiero’s mining history: Click here to discover all the stages of “In the Footsteps of the Canopi.”
Palazzo delle Miniere: A historical testimony of Primiero
The Palazzo delle Miniere, built in the second half of the 15th century, stands as an imposing symbol of Primiero’s mining heritage. It is believed that its construction was commissioned by Archduke Sigismund of Austria to host the Austrian mining magistrate. Over the centuries, the building has also housed various local administrative authorities.
Renovated in 1558, the palace has largely retained its original appearance — a fine example of late Gothic architecture with Brixen-style influences. Its fortress-like design, with steep shingled roofs, battlements, and frescoed façades, reflects the style of Alpine Germanic residences of the period.
Notable features include the Gothic mullioned window and the moulded sandstone portal, similar to that of the nearby Archpriest Church, along with the coats of arms that once decorated its windows. Above the entrance stands the Welsperg family crest, accompanied by an inscription marking a 1557 restoration. Between the first and second floors, numerous frescoed emblems depict Habsburg dominions, including the Habsburg Eagle. Despite several restoration works, the interiors retain their original charm, with cross-vaulted halls, barrel-vaulted stairways, and finely carved portals.
Today, the palace serves as a cultural centre hosting exhibitions, events, and historical reenactments. Every year, its courtyard transforms into a medieval mining village, where visitors can watch mineral working demonstrations, explore a reconstructed mine tunnel, and experience the atmosphere of the past with evening shows — an unmissable journey into Primiero’s mining roots!
P-QUÌ: The interactive museum of Primiero’s history
Inside the Palazzo delle Miniere lies P-QUÌ, an innovative interactive museum inaugurated in 2020. Through a chronological timeline, the exhibition narrates the evolution of the Primiero territory and its communities, with displays crafted from wood reclaimed after the Vaia storm of 2018.
Designed to engage visitors of all ages, P-QUÌ offers a dynamic experience combining permanent collections, historic tools, and multimedia storytelling. Two mascots — the otter and the guana (a mythical creature of local legend) — accompany visitors in discovering the valley’s traditions and secrets. But the journey doesn’t end here: P-QUÌ is the gateway to Primiero, an invitation to explore the surrounding territory and its network of small local museums — a unique opportunity to experience the history of Primiero both inside and beyond the walls of the Palazzo delle Miniere.
