Ore MountainsAfter twenty years, the Ore Mountains Mining Region has finally achieved its goal to be awarded the World Heritage status. Hundreds of years of mining in the region on the German and Czech border have forged a unique relationship between man and nature, producing a cross‑border mining cultural landscape of universal value. The region also became the most important source of silver ore in Europe from 1460 to 1560 and was the trigger for technological innovations. At the end of the 19th century, the region became a major global producer of uranium. The cultural landscape of the Ore Mountains has been deeply shaped by generations of almost continuous mining, from the 12th to the 20th century, with mining, pioneering water management systems, innovative mineral processing and smelting sites, and mining cities, all there to see for interested travellers.  Augsburg's Water Management sytem. Credits Wikimedia Commons. AugsburgAugsburg’s Water Management system has evolved in successive phases from the 14th century to the present day. It includes a network of canals, water towers dating from the 15th to 17th centuries, a water-cooled butchers’ hall, and a system of three monumental fountains and hydroelectric power stations, which continue to provide sustainable energy even today. The technological innovations generated by this water management system have helped establish Augsburg as a pioneer in hydraulic engineering. Visitors to the city will be able to see many engineering marvels from the public fountains to the water towers. 
Hanan I travel the world to find unexpected stories. 21 August 2019 Comments are closed.
|
