Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Archaeological site · Mons, Hainaut
Silex's - Minières néolithiques de Spiennes
One of the largest and oldest flint mines in Europe, dug about 6,000 years ago, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Silex's museum explains Neolithic mining, and the guided descent goes down 10 metres by stairs.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Silex's - Minières néolithiques de Spiennes
In Spiennes, southeast of Mons, Neolithic farmers dug thousands of shafts in the chalk to extract flint, the stone used to make axes and blades. Mining began about 6,000 years ago and lasted roughly 2,000 years, over an area of several dozen hectares. Some shafts are more than 10 meters deep and are almost intact.
The flint mines of Spiennes are among the largest and oldest in Europe and were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. The field, now covered in pasture, still shows thousands of flakes of flint on the ground left by the miners.
Silex's is the site's visitor centre. The museum, with contemporary exhibition design, shows how the mine was dug, how flint was worked and how the communities of the time lived, with original tools and replicas. Outside there is a photo exhibition about recent excavations and four nature trails around the site.
The descent into the mine is the highlight, but only for those who book in advance: in small guided groups, visitors descend about 10 meters by stairs to the original galleries. It is permitted from age 10, with appropriate clothing and closed footwear.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the museum; the guided descent takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Best time
The season usually starts in April, with the museum open from Tuesday to Sunday. Mine descents take place in the afternoons on weekends and public holidays, and on additional days during Belgian school holidays. Book in advance and check the end-of-season dates before you go.
How to get there
It is on rue du Point du Jour, in Spiennes, about 6 km from central Mons. By car or taxi it takes around 15 minutes. Public transport is limited; check TEC buses before you set off.
Tip
The mine descent is limited to a maximum of 12 people and requires a phone reservation. Wear clothes that can get dirty and trainers or boots. Visitors with claustrophobia can stick to the museum and the trails.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Silex's - Minières néolithiques de Spiennes
Do you need to reserve the descent into the mine?
Yes. The descent is guided, in groups of up to 12 people, and only by reservation. The museum and the trails do not require reservation.
Can children go down?
The descent is allowed from age 10. For younger children there are activity booklets in the museum.
Is the site open all year round?
No. The season usually starts in April and ends in the autumn. Check the dates before you go.
What flint could be seen on the ground?
The field around the pits has thousands of flint flakes left by Neolithic miners. They are part of the site and should not be taken.