Places
Cave·Moderate·Scenic·Popular
Miniere di Cogne
Aosta Valley
The Colonna mine complex above Cogne once supplied high-grade magnetite ore to foundries across northern Italy, with underground galleries eventually stretching for dozens of kilometres into the mountain. A restored funicular and guided tunnel tours now let visitors descend into sections of the workings, past rusting machinery left in place when the mine closed in 1979. The approach trail outside the mine crosses open pasture with wide views back down toward Cogne and the Gran Paradiso peaks.
Duration
2.5 hours
Distance
5 km
Elevation
+250 m
Best season
May – October
Highlights
- Historic magnetite mining tunnels
- Restored mine funicular access
- Rusting mid-century machinery
With your dog
Mine-access track and guided tunnel sections; dogs may need to stay outside during underground tours.
