“The historic Salt Mine in Wieliczka is the only mining site in the world functioning continuously since the Middle Ages. Lying on nine levels, its original excavations (longitudinals, traverses, chambers, lakes, as well as minor and major shafts) stretch for the total of about 300 kilometres: reaching the depth of 327 metres they illustrate all the stages of mining technology development over time”.
The quotation comes from the justification for entering the Wieliczka Salt Mine on UNESCO’s First World List of Cultural and Natural Heritage, 8th September, 1978 together with 11 other sites from around the world.
One of the more interesting things to do in Krakow; you will take a walk of 3 km through 3 levels in the Salt Mine down to 136 meters below ground level through chambers and passageways excavated in the 17th century. During the tour you will see underground chambers and chapels hewn out in the saltrock, statues of saints sculpted in salt, and saline lakes.
A breath taking experience and an absolute must see!
A few things to know about the mine
It was built in the 13th century and is actually considered one of the oldest salt mines that the world has to offer. At least, as far as longest running salt mines. That’s right – the Krakow salt mines served not only as a place of historical entertainment, but the location continued to exist in excellent working condition up until the most recent year of 2007. Amazing, considering its age.
The mine shut down due to the cheaper prices for salt, not to mention the complications that arose from mine flooding. Not to let such a large place go to waste, it wasn’t long before the Wieliczka mines were reconstructed into the fun learning environment it is today.
Some of the main attractions of this tourist area is the gigantic cathedral that has been hand carved by miners of the past, not to mention the dozens of erected statues strewn out across the large expanse of the public viewing areas. There are even three completed chapels that were also hand carved by the old workers of the mine. An imprint of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” is also carved into one of the cavern’s walls. All along the way, in fact, lie surprises to be unveiled during a unique visit to the Krakow salt mines.
The salt mine has numerous old corridors to explore, a beautiful light display in St. Kinga’s shaft, a museum filled with antiques, and even an intricate chandelier carved into the rock salt. The mine even boasts having its own underground lake, a beautiful electronic entertainment area, and has actually attracted a very wide array of famous guests since its opening. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Pope John Paul II (known at the time as Karol Wojtyla), Robert Braden-Powell, and Fryderyk Chopin, were among the few notable visitors to Krakow salt mines.
Not surprising, given the sights, sounds, and just overall earthy environment that you can expect from even a single visit to this natural attraction.
The Krakow salt mines, also known as the Wieliczka Salt Mines due to their location in the small town of Wieliczka, are a well known and elaborately decorated tourist attraction. There’s few things not known about the mine.
It was built in the 13th century and is actually considered one of the oldest salt mines that the world has to offer. At least, as far as longest running salt mines. That’s right – the Krakow salt mines served not only as a place of historical entertainment, but the location continued to exist in excellent working condition up until the most recent year of 2007. Amazing, considering its age.
The mine shut down due to the cheaper prices for salt, not to mention the complications that arose from mine flooding. Not to let such a large place go to waste, it wasn’t long before the Wieliczka mines were reconstructed into the fun learning environment it is today.
Some of the main attractions of this tourist area is the gigantic cathedral that has been hand carved by miners of the past, not to mention the dozens of erected statues strewn out across the large expanse of the public viewing areas. There are even three completed chapels that were also hand carved by the old workers of the mine. An imprint of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” is also carved into one of the cavern’s walls. All along the way, in fact, lie surprises to be unveiled during a unique visit to the Krakow salt mines.
The salt mine has numerous old corridors to explore, a beautiful light display in St. Kinga’s shaft, a museum filled with antiques, and even an intricate chandelier carved into the rock salt. The mine even boasts having its own underground lake, a beautiful electronic entertainment area, and has actually attracted a very wide array of famous guests since its opening. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Pope John Paul II (known at the time as Karol Wojtyla), Robert Braden-Powell, and Fryderyk Chopin, were among the few notable visitors to Krakow salt mines.
Not surprising, given the sights, sounds, and just overall earthy environment that you can expect from even a single visit to this natural attraction.
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