Berlova limestone Třemošnice
The beginnings of limestone mining in Třemošnice go back in history to one hundred and fifty years, and cement and lime began to be produced here only later, in 1960. The lime was named after Mr. Berla, who owned it at the end of the 19th century. After the operation of the lime plant was terminated, the whole building began to decay and this condition lasted for almost 50 years. The restoration of this valuable technical monument then took place only thanks to European subsidies. Since 2004, the Berl limestone quarry has been a cultural monument, in which today there is also a museum of the Železná Hora limestone in a completely authentic environment of the original building. Visitors can also see the chimney and blast furnaces as part of the tour.
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Interesting facts Berlova limestone Třemošnice
The Berl limestone is a rarity in Europe, especially due to its time of origin and age of 150 years. The first kiln was built in 1880, and even before the first world kiln, the production of the Berl limestone plant was up to 25 tons of lime per day. After the war and during the 1920s, production rose to 45 tons per day.
Limestone was transported here by means of a basket cable car, powered by a steam engine, and leading here from nearby Prachovice. It was 5.5 km long, had a total of 180 baskets with a capacity of 280 kg, its poles were 6 to 20 meters high, spaced at intervals of 20 to 140 m and with a total of 110 poles. This cable car was one of the oldest in our country.
The finished lime was then transported by a siding to Čáslav. After the production of lime was stopped in 1957, the cable car was gradually dismantled, but fortunately the lime kiln has survived, as have the two kilns, each with a slightly different construction, but both with two separate kilns (shafts). The first of them has a robust construction, typical of Železná Hora limestones. The second furnace has a Pacold construction and is more subtle.
Let's mention the loading system, which is also unique. It consists of a steel structure of the elevator with a footbridge that leads to the loading openings.
At present, the lime kiln is in good technical condition, the western kiln has been reconstructed and a building has also been added to it, in which a smaller exposition focused on lime kiln is located on the day. Visitors can enter the interior of the furnace and see the tall chimney. The exhibition also focuses on the production of lime and cement, including examples of raw materials used in production.
Author: Andrea Štyndlová