By. Ran
Salt is boring, right? I mean, it is a kitchen staple that is pretty basic and downright boring.
But as it turns out, salt can be interesting too! At least this salt mine is!
The Wieliczka salt mine, near Krakow, Poland actually proves that salt can be a masterpiece on its own. First opened in the 13th century, it’s a part of the First UNESCO World Heritage List today. In fact, the salt mine, which reaches -1072 ft. at its deepest point, features underground lakes, 2,000 chambers, and chapels. And to make things even better, there are huge salt chandeliers!
More info: Wieliczka-SaltMine.com
#1. The history of Wieliczka salt mine dates back to the middle Ages. It was called the Magnum Salt, or the Great Salt.
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#2. It was the largest source of salt in the country back in the day and was crucial to the country’s economy. Today, it’s one of the main tourist attractions in Poland.
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#3. When contacted, Aleksandra Sieradzka from the marketing and communications department at the Wieliczka Salt Mine told that all the 2000 chambers in the mine are carved out of salt.
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#4. “The corridors and even the floor are made of salt.” There are two chapels of St. Kinga and St. Anthony that are both made entirely of salt, including the altars and the statues of saints that were carved by the sculptor miners. “The chandeliers also contain crystal salt—the purest type of salt.”
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#5. While salt looks delicate and fragile, it has a hardness similar to that of gypsum.
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#6. “The processing of salt itself is not difficult; however, in order to professionally carve in salt, one needs to have a lot of experience with this material,” explained Aleksandra. “Every block of salt is different—it differs not only in size or hardness, but also in color, which can be used in an interesting way in the act of creation.”
Image Credit: wieliczkasaltmine
#7. What is really awesome about this salt mine is that, if you’re lucky, you can pop into a party or two at the Mine.
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#8. “That is true, there are a couple of chambers where you can have a party. One big ballroom (Warszawa Chamber) and a few smaller ones. The Mine is famous for its New Year’s concerts that take place during the first weekend of January.”
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#9. Only 2% of the whole underground structure is accessible to tourists and the salt mine corridors form an actual labyrinth that is 498 ft. in length.
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#10. There are 9 levels in total and the lowest one is located 1072 ft. below ground.
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#11. But Wieliczka is only the fifth-biggest salt mine out there.
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#12. The biggest one in the world is in Ontario, which is located 1800 ft. under Lake Huron. Compass Minerals’ Goderich salt mine is as deep as the CN Tower in Toronto is tall.
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#13. The second-biggest is Khewra Salt Mines in Pakistan.
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#14. The third place is the Prahova Salt Mine in Romania.
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#15. This truly is a magical place.
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#16. It is almost surreal.
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#17. What would you not give to go on a tour in this salt mine!
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#18. In love with this place.
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#19. Wow!
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#20. Absolutely amazing!
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