The ancient history and the new life of the mines of Saint Marcel

A very interesting site in Saint Marcel are the mines of Servette, active since the Middle Ages and remained operational until the early 1950s. These mines were first used to extract millstones. These stones, once the mills were closed, became important structural elements of buildings and homes in the area. Later, the two most precious minerals extracted here were pyrite, useful for making copper, and chalcopyrite, useful for making sulfur. The strategic and economic importance of the Saint Marcel valley is testified by cartography from the Napoleonic era. Recently, in 2012, a Roman construction came to light during excavations for the laying of pipes. This archaeological find presents elements of exceptionality for various reasons: because it is at high altitude, because it was a residential and commercial structure, because it has very well preserved walls and floors. The results of the excavations are illustrated inside the stronghold of Saint Marcel. Furthermore, the mines today, after careful safety work, can be visited and every summer the actors stage the hard life of the miners of the mines of Servette.