Sala is a locality and the seat of Sala Municipality in Västmanland County, Sweden with 12,289 inhabitants in 2010.[1]
[edit] History
The small town is best known for its historical silver mine, which dates back to at least Medieval times, and was in operation until 1908. In 1624, the city Sala was moved to its current location close to the mine, receiving its royal charter from King Gustavus Adolphus.
The silver was important for Sweden's economy and the base for coin production. A total of 400 metric tons of silver was extracted, and 40,000 tons of lead; with at most 3-5 tons silver during a year.
The mine eventually reached a depth of 300 meters, and a total heading length of 20 kilometers. It is today a popular attraction.
Sala silver mine, main office
The Muslim Swedish impressionist painter Ivan Aguéli was born in Sala in 1869. There is a small museum and a park dedicated to his memory in the centre of the town. Sala is also domicile of the former Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Deputy Prime Minister Lena Hjelm-Wallen. She held several ministerial posts in the social democratic government in the 1980s and 1990s and has despite her career in politics remained in Sala and is still active in the local life.
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