It is located in the heart of the Caltanissetta sulfur basin, within the Apaforte–Stincone–Bosco mining district, which for over two centuries represented a strategic resource for the extraction of sulfur, a mineral of fundamental importance for the chemical industry of the 19th century. Unlike many other mines later modernized, Apaforte preserves structural elements that bear witness to pre-industrial extraction methods, including manually dug descenderies, primitive smelting furnaces, and narrow tunnels, some of which are still visible. One of the most tragic episodes in its history occurred on August 29, 1904, when a violent firedamp explosion caused the death of several miners. This dramatic event highlighted the precarious working conditions and the lack of ventilation and safety systems typical of sulfur mines of the time. The accident has remained in local memory as a symbol of the workers’ sacrifice linked to the mining economy. The mine gradually ceased operations during the 20th century until its definitive closure, but the site has remained intact, hidden among the hills, almost crystallized in time.
Today, Apaforte represents a rare example of an authentic mining landscape, with extremely high documentary value. It is included among the FAI’s “Places of the Heart,” bearing witness to the collective interest in its protection and enhancement. Although not yet formally open to the public, the mine can be reached via hillside paths and is occasionally visited during cultural events or excursions organized by local associations. Its preservation represents both a challenge and an opportunity to promote awareness of a fundamental chapter in the social and productive history of inland Sicily.