Sala Municipality

Sala is a Swedish municipality in Västmanland County, in central Sweden. The municipality covers an area of 1172.6 km², has a population of 21,344, and a population density of 18 inhabitants per km².

Its seat is in Sala, with 12,000 inhabitants, situated at 59°55′N 16°36′E. Larger villages within the municipality are Möklinta, Ransta, Salbohed, Sätra brunn, Kumla kyrkby, and Västerfärnebo.

[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.

The 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.

See also: Uppsala