The former Separation Mine in Potpian, Croatia, abandoned

Are you looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination in Istria, Croatia? Look no further than Potpićan, a small inland town with a captivating secret – an abandoned coal separation mine. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the quaint streets of Labin, the nearby town, and then dive into exploring the intriguing Potpićan mine. Join us as we uncover the forgotten remnants of the region’s coal mining history.

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Our adventure begins in Labin, located just 16 kilometers south of Potpićan. Labin is renowned for its picturesque old town, enchanting cobbled alleys, pastel-colored houses, and an overall sense of quaintness. Despite the impression we may sometimes give, we genuinely enjoy exploring beautiful locations like Labin. Thus, we were eager to wander through the medieval streets before embarking on our journey to the abandoned mine.

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Arrived in Labin during the early afternoon, rain poured relentlessly, flooding the streets in the lower modern part of the town. Umbrellas were rendered useless, and we sought refuge in our car, hoping for the rain to subside. After about 45 minutes, the downpour eased, allowing us to venture into the old town. Although the rain somewhat obscured Labin’s charm, we captured a few photographs that hinted at its allure.

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While departing from Labin, we spotted a striking sculpture on the outskirts of the new town. Despite the heavy rainfall, we felt compelled to photograph the monument. Parked nearby, we braved the rain, shielding our camera with an umbrella as best we could. We quickly snapped shots before dashing back to the car, continuing our journey towards Potpićan. Little did we know at the time the monument held a significant connection to our destination, which would later become evident as we reviewed our photographs.

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As we arrived in Potpićan, the rain had ceased entirely, creating a more favorable environment for exploring the abandoned mine. Armed with limited information about its location, our search primarily revolved around finding a building adorned with a prominent ‘Tito’ sign on its roof. Given the town’s modest size, it didn’t take long for us to locate the mine near a makeshift parking lot mainly used by large trucks.

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The mine entrance was partially concealed by dense foliage, and the ground was still damp from recent rainfall. We cautiously followed a narrow concrete path surrounded by stagnant water, leading us to the former main entrance of the building. Once inside, a bare concrete staircase stretched upward, beckoning us to ascend and delve deeper into the structure.

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As we ventured further into the mine, the distant rumble of passing lorries constantly reminded us of the outside world. Despite the audible presence of activity, we found ourselves alone within the depths of the abandoned mine. Each level revealed vast expanses of raw concrete, devoid of any significant remnants from the past. Our ultimate goal was to reach the rooftop, where the ‘Tito’ sign awaited closer inspection.

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Upon reaching the top level, our excitement dwindled as we encountered a dead end. Our quest to decipher the mysteries of the mine had reached its conclusion. Nonetheless, we managed to capture a few photographs of the exterior, ensuring a lasting memory of our exploration. A selfie immortalized our presence in this mysterious place, serving as a testament to our journey’s significance.

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Days later, as we sorted through our collection of photographs, the connection between the Labin monument and the Potpićan mine began to unfold. Labin’s historical significance as a coal mining district became evident, with the memorial paying tribute to the miners who bravely participated in an anti-fascist rebellion. This revelation led us to believe that Potpićan’s separation mine was likely a part of the region’s coal mining industry, ceasing its operations in the late 1980s.

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Although rain accompanied our entire journey, it failed to dampen our spirits. The exploration of the abandoned mine in Potpićan and our 20th wedding anniversary made for an unforgettable adventure. As we concluded our expedition, we eagerly looked forward to celebrating our anniversary in the charming coastal town of Opatija, reflecting on the hidden gems we had discovered along the way.

Potpićan, with its abandoned separation mine, offers a unique experience for travelers seeking unconventional destinations in Istria. From the charming streets of Labin to the mysteries concealed within the mine’s concrete walls, this journey is sure to leave a lasting impression. Embrace the allure of the unknown, and let Potpićan unveil its secrets.

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