Caestert Quarry and Velvet Caves on the History Channel
- 6 december 2008 -
In August 2008, the film crew of "Cities of the Underworld" on the History Channel contacted the IES for filming medieval quarries in the South Limburg region. Don Wildman, the host of the program, visits underground sites all over the world, but he was amazed by what he experienced while filming inside the Caestert quarry under the guidance of Jacquo Silvertant and Kevin Amendt. Don sent us his impressions after he returned to the United States:
"I had never heard the phrase "Underground Landscapes" before seeing the Caestert Quarry with Jacquo and Kevin--which is humbling, considering I host a show that is about the very subject! But perhaps that indicates how "in the dark" so many people are when it comes to the amazing spaces below ground--even subterranean television hosts.
More importantly, I could witness on such a massive scale how vitally important it is to preserve a vast underground such as Caestert. Not only is the quarry landscape breathtakingly awesome (and understand I see A LOT of these places)but it is at the same time PACKED with an entirely unique history. Needless to say, we will have no problem telling a most remarkable tale for our program--those mines are filled with stories. But I could also see how delicate they are--how easily the ancient graffittis could be lost to time and vandals, how the space itself could be so quickly lost to the forces of nature.
I commend the work of Institute Europa Subterranea as it strives to maintain these important underground landmarks. It is important for all people around the world. It's why we came from so far away to see them--I'm so glad we did!"
The program starts running under the title "Barbarian's lair" on the 30th of November 2008. Later it will hit the European cable companies or you'll be able to download it from:
http://www.history.com/cities-of-the-underworld
or for now see the trailer on:
http://www.clevver.com/video/226797/cities-of-the-underworld-barbarians-lair-.html