How much do you know about Salt Mine in Wieliczka? If not much, read this and get surprised!
Incredible history
Salt Mine in Wieliczka dates back to XIII century. However, its salt exploitation begun as early as 3 thousand years BC! It is documentec by numerous potsherds and findings. After the World War II, archeologists discoverd several ancient machines that were used for salt mining. Old installations told us an incredible story of works in Wieliczka.
By order of a polish knight, in 1289, a bath was created inside Wieliczka mine. However, one of the most prominent polish rulers who contributed to Wieliczka Salt Mine development was King Casimir III the Great who reigned in Poland from 1333 to 1370. He granted mine several privileges and took all polish miners under his care. Additionally, due to his efforts and funds, a mine hospital was built in 1363.
In 1951, Saltworks Museum was created and it serves as the only complex of mine with such long-time activity.
St. Kinga Chapel
This chapel is one of the biggest attractions in the whole mine. Located 101 meters inderground, it’s in fact an underground temple with extremely beautiful interior. Views in the chapel are simply breathtaking. One of its most characteristic objects is famous chalendier, entirely made of salt.
One can find there impressive reliefs depicting scenes from the Bible. The altar is also mesmerising – full of point-device ornaments.
What’s more, St Kinga Chapel is a place where some cultural events take place. Biggest stars from around the world perform ther regularly. The reason is simple – acoustics in the chapel is perfect. However, the chapel hosted different events as well. In fact, one can even get married inside!
World Heritage
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is filled of halls and chambers fashioned in salt, smooth an false underground lake is there! Visited by greater than 1.2 million citizens annually, The Wieliczka Salt mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see for anyone visiting southern Poland, of course with Salt mine Tours Immerse yourself in The Wieliczka Salt Mine with Salt mine Tours. Just a few kilometres from Kraków is a UNESCO World Heritage site tempting greater than a million visitors from all in excess of the world every year.
Halls and Chambers
The 3.5-kilometer journey leads downwards from end to end stunning halls and chambers is surprisingly straightforward and enjoyable; appropriate intended for people of all ages and smooth nearby lying on a wheel-chair. The underground tunnels get you past an underground lake and into the amazing underground temple of St.Kinga, which is complete of and completely decorated with salt.