For 200 years Europe's biggest, oldest and it's believed only man-made volcano has lain dormant in a decidedly un-volcanic region of eastern Germany.

Then on Saturday scientists from the Brandenburg Technical University brought the little-known wonder back to life, complete with fake fire, smoke and lava.

The bizarre artificial volcano was originally built near Woerlitz by an 18th century prince who visited Mount Vesuvius in Italy and insisted on having a replica of it on his estate as his flight of fancy.