Description:
The iron works of Pershyttan, dating mainly from 18th-19th century, were considered a unique ensemble of industrial monuments. The site, including Sweden's best preserved charcoal furnace, one of the largest water-wheels still in use in Europe and the dressing plant and shaft tower of the Great Mine, surrounded by the houses and facilities of the former mining community, was preserved and a maintenance plan made. In Nora the timber-built quarters in the centre were maintained and preserved, whilst raising awareness among local inhabitants. In contrast to surrounding communities its population is now even growing, attracted by this living cultural environment. The original connecting railway, built 1856 closed down at the end of the seventies due to lack of goods and passengers, was purchased after lengthy negotiations by a foundation which created a railway-museum and a veteran railway, now one of the biggest in Europe.