This mine is located in Rybnik in the district of Niewiadom. It was opened to the public as a tourist attraction in 1999 thanks to the efforts of the Association of the Historical “Ignacy” Mine. The “Ignacy-Hoyn” architectural mining complex was built at the end of the 19th century by Von Hoym, the Prussian minister for this Silesian district. Later the mine was named after the Polish President Ignacy Moscicki.

In the centre of the overground mining facility stands a water tower and steam-driven hoist machinery for the “Glowacki” and “Kosciuszko” mine shafts. The two lifting machines serving the two shafts are the most valuable monuments to technology found at the mine. Both are operated by steam. The oldest is in operation on the “Glowacki” mine shaft, dating back to1900 whilst the younger can be dated to 1920.

In the administration building is an exhibition dedicated to the mining industry with numerous exhibits relating to the history and culture of mining. The mine also has an underground tourist trail on two levels, 400m and 600m. Currently only the surface exhibits can be visited but it is hoped that soon the underground tunnels will be opened.

Association of the Historical “Ignacy” Coal Mine – Rybnik (woj. Slaskie)

www.rybnik.pl