The building of these collieries began in 1860. Closed in 1977, the coal mine in Cheratte belonging to 'Les Charbonnages du Hasard' still retained 600 miners, but during the production peaks this number was over 1500. It was the first coal exploitation electrically powered in Belgium.
Thirty years later, the site is still here, right in the middle of the small town of Cheratte. Everything has been left there, and the cultural heritage of this site is incredible. These abandoned places have been sold to a private owner that let sadly everything rust, although the site was listed as an historical monument in 1982.
Remains go from the miner safety helmet and gas mask to the workforce archives. Local associations fight for the rehabilitation of the site but unfortunately nothing happens.
The site itself is composed of nice medieval-like buildings. We visited it luckily on a sunny morning and enjoyed it. To explore it all, you would need a couple of days...
                                
 
                                Hobbyfotograaf, IT projectmanager, Motorrijder, gek van berglandschappen, architectuur en urban exploration... En savoir plus…
 Verlaten kleedkamer in een kolenmijnJarno Boks
Verlaten kleedkamer in een kolenmijnJarno Boks Graffiti dans une mine du 19ème siècleJarno Boks
Graffiti dans une mine du 19ème siècleJarno Boks Hoogoven Forges des ClabecqJarno Boks
Hoogoven Forges des ClabecqJarno Boks Cokestoren Forges des ClabecqJarno Boks
Cokestoren Forges des ClabecqJarno Boks Cokestoren Forges des ClabecqJarno Boks
Cokestoren Forges des ClabecqJarno Boks GondoleJarno Boks
GondoleJarno Boks Lever du soleil sur le typique Zaanse Schans hollandaisJarno Boks
Lever du soleil sur le typique Zaanse Schans hollandaisJarno Boks La CathédraleJarno Boks
La CathédraleJarno Boks Bruyère pourpreJarno Boks
Bruyère pourpreJarno Boks ValenceJarno Boks
ValenceJarno Boks Dolomites rugueusesJarno Boks
Dolomites rugueusesJarno Boks Londrangar SunsetJarno Boks
Londrangar SunsetJarno Boks Plage de KirkjufaraJarno Boks
Plage de KirkjufaraJarno Boks Voie lactée au-dessus de la VeluweJarno Boks
Voie lactée au-dessus de la VeluweJarno Boks