Visits to the Josef gallery
The CEG, Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Czech Technical University, Prague, offers visits to the Josef complex (near to the Slapy reservoir) to the general public and other interested parties. Such visits provide a unique opportunity to see the underground spaces.
Visits to the Josef gallery (the dates are listed below) comprise a tour of the Čelina area of the former mine complex (800 m of tunnels and corridors), including the impressive underground cavern known by staff as the “cathedral”. Visitors are appraised of the use of the tunnels for the teaching of students and provided with basic information on the research projects underway. We also provide details of the history of gold mining in the area and answer any questions you have regarding the remaining gold deposits in the Čelina and Mokrsko areas of the Josef complex. Steps allow you to ascend to a height of 20 m with incredible views into the “cathedral”, which has a volume of 10,000 m3 and is known for its excellent acoustics.
Enjoy!
Tour dates for 2024
| DAY | am | pm |
| Thursday 4 July | 10.00 am FULL | 2.00 pm FULL |
| Thursday 18 July | 10.00 am FULL | 2.00 pm FULL |
| Sunday 21 July | 10.00 am FULL | |
| Thursday 8 August | 10.00 am FULL | 2.00 pm FULL |
| Thursday 15 August | 2.00 pm FULL | |
| Thursday 22 August | 10.00 am FULL | 2.00 pm FULL |
| Sunday 25 August | 10.00 am FULL | 2.00 pm FULL |
| Sunday 17 November | 10.00 am FULL | 2.00 pm FULL / 4.00 pm FULL |
| Sunday 29 December | 10.00 am | 2.00 pm / 4.00 pm |
The capacity of each tour is a maximum of 25 visitors. Since participants enter the underground complex together, visitors who arrive late will not be admitted; therefore, we recommend arriving with a sufficient time reserve.
WATCH THIS PAGE FOR MORE TOUR DATES!
Tour reservation
Due to the high level of interest and limited capacity, we strongly recommend that those interested in visiting the Josef gallery reserve a time in advance.
Reservation is possible via email at: jiri.bendl@fsv.cvut.cz; please indicate the preferred date and time of the tour, the number of visitors and the contact person via whom we will confirm the reservation.
Ticket prices
| full price | CZK 300 | |
| reduced price | children 8 – 15 years and students 15 – 26 years | CZK 150* |
| reduced price | seniors 65+ years | CZK 150 |
* student discount upon the presentation of a valid document
Tickets must be purchased directly before entering the Josef gallery on the day of the tour; payment is only in cash (payment by card or online is not possible).
Important information
- Tours are accompanied by a guide.
- The tour lasts approx. 75 minutes + 30 minutes preparation time.
- The capacity of each tour is a maximum of 25 visitors.
- The average temperature underground is around 8°C, therefore we recommend suitable clothing, including sturdy boots.
- Group discounts are not provided.
- Due to the conditions underground, only children aged 8 and over are permitted to enter the facility, in all cases accompanied by an adult.
- Visits by disabled persons must be agreed in advance due to the sometimes arduous underground conditions.
- It is strictly forbidden to bring dogs or other animals into the Josef gallery. Visitors are also not allowed to enter with animals concealed in bags, under clothing, etc.
- Visitors must arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the tour at the designated location near to the main gate.
Addresses
Directions to the Josef gallery
- R4 highway – direction Strakonice (from Prague)
- exit 32, direction Dobříš-centrum
- on the outskirts of the town, turn right onto road 119 (direction Rybníky, Drhovy, Borotice)
- Approx. 1 km after the turn to Čelina, turn left onto a local road signposted Smilovice
- after approx. 1.2 km, turn left into the Josef complex
All persons who enter the underground complex are required to read an extract from the operational regulations of the Josef gallery (for safety reasons), see:
Did you know that....
A frequent question asked during visits by the public is why the gallery complex is called Josef. The proposed name of the facility was changed several times during the preparation of the construction project. Since it was expected that the underground laboratory would be used by both Czech and foreign clients, a name was sought that would be pronounceable and memorable for Czechs and non-Czechs alike. Names like Mokrsko and Čelina are not easy to pronounce for foreigners; therefore, the name Josef was chosen. The rich history of Czech mining often includes the name Josef, perhaps the most famous of which is a mining gallery in the Jílové area, in addition to names such as Michal, Martin, Anna and Barbora. Moreover, Josef was the original name of the mine excavated in the 1980s in Mokrsko and Čelina. According to workers at the Rudné mine (operated by Diamo), who worked on the excavation of the mine, the tunnel was named after Josef Pravda, who was the chairman of the Czech Geological Office at the time.
Did you know that....
Every winter we conduct a census of hibernating bats in the Josef gallery complex. The last census, the thirteenth, revealed a record number of these fascinating creatures, the second most numerous group of mammals. A total of 121 bats from seven species were counted (the large bat, brown long-eared bat, water bat, evening bat, ciliated bat, long-nosed bat and, for the first time, the rainbow bat).
Did you know that....
Our special mine beer is only for “real men” (and of course women). This semi-dark brew is classed as thirteen degree beer on the Czech scale (approx. 5% alcohol content). Visitors to the Josef gallery are invited to try it, cheers!
We also organise conferences and corporate team building events. For companies, we offer group visits with a capacity of 25 persons. The date and programme can be agreed via contacting us at: jiri.bendl@fsv.cvut.cz.
