Písek, Písek dist., South Bohemian Region

The ‘Havírky’ medieval gold mines were the first site of this type subjected to archaeological excavation in the country. Underground gold mining in the Písek Mts. began at the turn of the 14th century, following intensive gold panning activities on south Bohemian auriferous rivers dating back to prehistoric times. The peak of mining at ‘Havírky’ falls in the 15th and 16th centuries. Archaeological excavations, which were also partly conducted in flooded subterranean spaces, yielded two rows of collapsed shafts and adits as well as a processing area with forges and mining tools.

References: Fröhlich – Kurz 1980; Fröhlich 1997, 2006; www_Písek.

Navigation points: N 49°17'22.41", E 14°11'42.61".