Røros World Heritage site extended

The Norwegian Røros mining town has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1980, and now the Committee has also incuded the industrial-rural cultural landscapes surrounding the town.

The history of the town of Røros is linked to the copper mines. Established in the 17th century, they were exploited for 333 years until 1977. Completely rebuilt after its destruction by Swedish troops in 1679, Røros contains some 80 wooden one- and two-storey houses and a smelting house.

Many of these buildings have preserved their blackened wooden façades, giving the town a medieval appearance.

UNESCO points out that the site was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1980, and goes on to say that the extension is a serial site and comprises the Town and its industrial-rural cultural landscapes; Femundshytta, a smelter with its associated area; and the Winter Transport Route. Surrounded by a buffer zone, coincident with the area of privileges (the Circumference) granted to the mining enterprise by the Danish-Norwegian Crown (1646), the property illustrates the establishment and flourishing of a lasting culture based on copper mining in a remote region with a harsh climate.

(NRK/UNESCO)

Monday, 02 August 2010 07:14