Wieliczka salt mine
One of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Poland, maybe even in Europe, is without doubt the salt mine near the village of Wieliczka, not far away from the historical city of Krakow. The rock salt has been mined here continuously since the thirteenth century and therefore it is one of the oldest mines in the world. For the public, the mine opened up in 18th century. At the beginning of the 21st century the mining stopped due to the high costs. In 1978 the Wieliczka salt mine was included on the UNESCO World heritage list.
The mine Is divided to nine floors. The last one is at depth of 327 meters. The floors are connected by chambers, special tunnels, shafts and elevators. There 300 km of tunnels, but only 2% of them are opened to the public. Tours through the mine are given only by a specialized guide and it takes about two hours on the trail approximately 2,5 km long. During this tour you will hear a scientific explanation of the formation of such a large salt deposits, but also the story associated with medieval lords, which binds to Wieliczka. Worth the attention are also valuated halls, underground lakes, sculptures, original chambers, including original equipment and machines, or chapels, the biggest of which is the saint Kingas chapel t the depth of 100 meters, seating up to 500 guests.