It’s equipped with an anti-fall safety harness and a helmet that you’ll start your descent by ladder. So don’t worry; you won’t fall! You’ll notice the daylight disappear as you sink into the mine. You’ll have to walk ten metres before you can set foot in this cavity, which measures some twenty square metres. There you’ll see vaulted rooms, supported by pillars and connected by galleries leading to other pits. The walls are chalky and provide a glimpse of the famous flint ridges, which are much sought after!
Be careful not to get lost in this labyrinth! Fortunately, an archaeologist guide is there to accompany you and give you some explanations, useful for making sense of this secret environment. There’s an answer to every question! And there’s no shortage of anecdotes either! Without revealing too much here so there’s still an element of mystery, it’s particularly impressive when the lights are switched off, immersing you in real operating conditions! I hope you’re no longer scared of the dark...
 

Good to know

Please note that pregnant women and children under 12 years are not allowed to go down a mine. But don’t worry: a projection room will let them experience the descent since the pits are digitalised!

However, if you’re more at ease above ground than underground, there are various learning spaces so you can understand how the site is organised and browse the archaeologists’ finds. Relive the great discoveries of humanity through the timeline, enjoy the outdoors for some educational walks or visit the semi-permanent exhibition. In short, there’s something for everyone!

Tips

In order to help conserve the mine, only 5,500 people can go down it every year. So remember to reserve your place!

And don’t forget your pullover either! Below ground level, the temperature never gets above 12°C!

So, ready to experience the depths of one of the oldest and largest flint extraction centres in Europe? This takes place in Spiennes, just 6 km from Mons. There will be no shortage of escapism, emotions and discoveries in any case.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Its immense operations area (nearly 100 ha), its duration as well as its archaeological potential earned the Spiennes site recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 2000. This means the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes compete with the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India or the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in Peru among others. It’s worth the short descent!

Practical info

  • Book your descent down the mines through Mons Tourist Office on +32 (0)65/40 53 48 or at groups@ville.mons.be
  • Site accessible to people with other disabilities and / or impaired vision (disabled access rue du Point du Jour)
  • Place de Spiennes car park

Contact

SILEX’S, Centre d’interprétation des minières néolithiques de silex de Spiennes
Rue du Point du Jour, 300
7032 Spiennes, Belgium

Accessible with the Mons Card!