With the 55 meter high shaft tower as an eye
catcher, Zeche Zollverein is the most famous industrial heritage of
the Ruhr area. UNESCO considers the mine and coke ovens as a
representative example of heavy industry in Europe and placed the
industrial complex on the World Heritage List. Zeche Zollverein is
also the symbol of the "Strukturwandel" of the Ruhr area. The mine
was shut down in 1986. Zeche Zollverein then got a second life as a
center for the creative industry, tourist attraction and event
location. |