Presenting a cultural landscape

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

PRESENTING A

A GLIMPSE into the American hall of the “terra mineralia” in Freiberg reveals the exhibition’s concept of a “mineralogical world tour” displayed over 1,500 square meters.

cultural landscape

The Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) region, situated in the south of Saxony and bordering the Czech Republic, is known throughout the world as the home of wooden craftsmanship. Here Wendt & Kühn, too, has been writing its success story for more than 100 years. Today the region is once again in the public eye: The Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region is now officially included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The landscape, its culture, economy, crafts and science have all been shaped by the region’s rich resources of silver, cobalt, iron, tin and uranium and the mining industry built on them. So it comes as no surprise that on the Saxony side alone some 400 artefacts survive today from more than 800 years of mining – and guarantee a unique experience. The attractive mining towns with their grand churches and historic town centers invite one to discover the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In their heyday they were centers of research and development, as well as art and culture. From here, silver, cobalt and tin were traded throughout Europe and indeed the world. The mining towns attracted scholars and artists alike. Impressively, the magnificent churches still represent the wealth of the past and the close connection between mining and faith.

Mines to visit, museums and exhibitions bring to life the history of the Erzgebirge/ Krušnohoří Mining Region, including the “terra mineralia” exhibition in the historic setting of Freudenstein Castle in Freiberg. More than 3,500 examples of minerals, gemstones and meteorites from five continents make this collection arguably the most beautiful and comprehensive in the world. Its permanent exhibition attracts discoverers, mineral collectors, scientists and cultural tourists as well as those on city breaks. In addition to the former mining sites, it is above all the unique evidence of living traditions that attracts visitors to the region. As in the spa town of Seiffen, for example, affectionately known as the “toy village”. Here many of the wooden toy makers have demonstration workshops that offer highly interesting insights into the craft. And a visit to the Erzgebirge Toy Museum promises a journey into the childhood of previous generations.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

The title of World Heritage Site is awarded to unique witnesses to the history of mankind and nature. Included in the list are historic buildings, urban settlements, industrial monuments and cultural landscapes as well as geological sites, natural landscapes and protected reserves. The UNESCO World Heritage list currently comprises 1,121 sites in 167 countries.

Find out more at www.whc.unesco.org