The Wieliczka salt mine is located in southern Poland near Krakow. It is one of the oldest continuously operating mines on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It has been mined continuously since the 13th Century.
Over the years, the caverns that were dug have been turned into magical spaces. There are chapels dedicated to Polish saints and halls with salt chandeliers. You can also see underground lakes from walkways.
After their hazardous work was done, many miners became artists by carving intricate designs into rock salt.
In 1996, the mine was closed for continuous mining. It is now a tourist attraction. Walking tours of the mine can be taken that go almost 450 feet underground.
The history of Wieliczka salt mining dates back to the Middle Ages when it was known as the Magnum Sal or the Great Salt. It was the largest salt source in the country and was vital to the country’s economic growth. It’s still a major tourist attraction in Poland today.
The most striking room is St Kinga’s Chapel, which can be found at a depth of 330ft. It has chandeliers and devotional carvings on the salt walls.
These are the sights you will see when you visit the Wieliczka salt mine.
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