San Lorenzo at Kreas is an ancient mining site in the heart of the “gold district” of Alagna Valsesia. Inside, the large millstones used to crush the gold-bearing ore extracted from local mines can still be seen. This complex represents a valuable testimony to the history of gold mining on Monte Rosa, one of the most important in the Western Alps.
The visit begins at the San Lorenzo Workshops, a historic complex where ore extracted from the mines of the district was once processed. Following an extensive restoration, the building has been brought back to life as a museum, telling the story of the Kreas mining system and the role of the valley-floor facilities in transforming raw ore into a valuable resource.
Designed for a wide audience, the museum exhibition combines photographs, artefacts, mining tools, multimedia displays and immersive settings to illustrate the history of Alpine mining. A narrative voice guides visitors throughout the exhibition, creating a dialogue between past and present. The display traces the mining activities that shaped the area over the centuries, from copper and gold to feldspar, highlighting the evolution of mining techniques and equipment. Visitors can also explore mineral specimens, including gold, silver, copper, manganese and iron, alongside original tools that provide insight into the daily lives of the miners.
One of the highlights of the museum is the mill room, featuring its large waterwheel. Here, water provided the power needed to crush the ore before it underwent further processing. The machinery installed in 1885 by the Monte Rosa Gold Mining Company, among the few surviving examples of its kind in Europe, is still preserved today.
The experience continues through the Kreas mine galleries, offering an immersive journey into the mountain through darkness, rock, humidity and silence, across seven themed areas. The route passes through the eighteenth-century "Santo Spirito" gallery before reaching the more modern tunnels developed for the industrial extraction of kaolin. The visit concludes at the Mining Museum in the San Lorenzo Workshops, where artefacts and multimedia installations further explore the site's history and the deep connection between Alagna, Monte Rosa and its mining heritage.
Access is only permitted with a guided tour and at scheduled times.
Admission: €25.00 Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum’s ticket office.
By Car: Drive past the town of Alagna toward Wold/Merletti until you reach the WOLD Parking Lot.
On Foot: From the WOLD parking lot, follow the comfortable dirt road for about 10 minutes on foot.
Shuttle Service: A shuttle service is also available (check availability on the official website).
Internal Parking: Visitors may drive to the parking area just below the museum.
ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) Access: Entry by car is only allowed after registering your license plate (provide this information when purchasing your ticket).
The mine is a unique environment. Please follow these simple guidelines for a safe and enjoyable visit:
Phone: +39 0163 922988
The museum will be open from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, September 13, 2026, with the following hours.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | 14:30–17:30 |
| Tuesday | 10:00–13:00 | 14:30–17:30 |
| Wednesday | Closed | 14:30–17:30 |
| Thursday | 10:00–13:00 | 14:30–17:30 |
| Friday | 10:00–13:00 | 14:30–17:30 |
| Saturday | 10:00–13:00 | 14:30–17:30 |
| Sunday | 10:00–13:00 | 14:30–17:30 |
A combined ticket is available for both the museums of Kreas and them Walser museum.Both full-price and reduced-price tickets are currently discounted:
The reduced rate applies to children aged 7–13 and to visitors over 70. The tickets do not include the visit to the galleries of Kreas.
It is important to arrive 15 minutes before the time of the visit you have purchased.
For more information about the Mining Museum of Kreas you can contact the Tourism Office of Alagna Valsesia.
