The Copper Mine That Coloured Sweden Red

Falun mine, situated in central Sweden, is one of Europe’s oldest and largest copper mines. Operational from the 13th to the 20th century, its deepest shaft plunges 340 meters under the ground, though mining operations commenced in the 13th century. On a vast scale, copper was mined here, and today, the remains of the structures used to process the ore can still be seen. The waste from the mine includes iron oxide, known as Falu rödfärg, the source of the distinctive red-painted houses in Sweden. Today, the site is a sought-after tourist destination and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons