Wieliczka Salt Mine, Medieval salt mine in Wieliczka, Poland
Wieliczka Salt Mine is a working site turned heritage attraction in Wieliczka, Poland, that spreads across 287 kilometers of tunnels and reaches depths of up to 327 meters in some sections. The labyrinth of chambers, corridors, and shafts reveals galleries with timber supports, staircases carved from rock, and lakes that mirror the ceilings above.
Salt extraction started here in the 13th century and ran without pause until 1996, making this one of the longest-operating mining operations in Europe. In the 18th century, the royal mining authority commissioned underground chapels and halls that now form the core of the visitor route.
The Chapel of Saint Kinga sits 101 meters underground and displays altars, chandeliers, and biblical scenes that miners carved entirely from salt. Visitors today also see underground lakes that reflect the lamplight on the walls, while hearing stories about the patron saint of miners.
Visitors walk around 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) through the galleries on guided tours and descend over 800 steps, with temperatures staying between 14 and 16°C (57 and 61°F) year-round. The return journey uses a lift, so only the descent involves climbing stairs.
An underground lake holds brine with 320 grams of salt per liter, causing objects to float more readily than in the Dead Sea. The chamber also houses an auditorium where concerts and events take place below ground.
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