Roman mine "Pützlöcher" - Newel

The "Pützlöcher" near Newel-Butzweiler are the remains of a Roman copper mine dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD

It is one of the oldest known Roman mines in Germany. Initially, copper ore was mined here, mainly malachite and azurite, which were used as blue pigments for paint and glass. The mine consisted of nine vertical shafts up to about 20 meters deep. There were underground passages that connected the various shafts. The Romans used hand tools such as hammers and chisels to extract the ores from the rock.

After copper mining ceased , the area was transformed into a quarry. Large sandstone blocks were extracted here, among other things for the construction of the Porta Nigra in Trier . This has been confirmed by inscriptions found both in the quarry and in the Porta Nigra.

The old mine shafts now provide shelter for bats and other animals. The surrounding area consists of dense forests and offers a beautiful natural area for hikers and nature lovers.

willem vandenameele