Saceba Cement Factory Ruins

A former abandoned cement factory that has become a protected area.

In the Breggia Gorges Park you can do another tour, but only with a guide and not easy to combine with the first. The cement path is the most visible element of the redevelopment of the former Saceba factory, located at the entrance to the gorges and part of the geological park. In 1972-1973, during the most important production period, Saceba produced up to 200,000 tons of cement per year, a total of over 2 million tons in around 20 years of activity.

The educational trail relies on the structures of the old cement factory to show visitors the process of turning rock into cement. The exploitation of this industrial area is a unique example in Switzerland. The 2 km long tour leads from the open-cast mine to the tunnel shafts from which material was extracted, to the stone crushers, and then ends at the kiln towers, the actual center of the factory, now used as exhibition and teaching rooms.

In the shafts the temperature is cool (10-13 degrees Celsius) and the humidity is high (over 80%). Appropriate clothing is therefore necessary, while helmets, headlamps and reflective jackets are available on site. It is an easy walk, although it is not recommended in case of cardiac circulatory disorders, diabetes, claustrophobia, epilepsy or walking difficulties.

Left:
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Saceba Cement Plant: Was in operation for almost 20 years and looked like this afterwards. Created and destroyed by man