If you are in Krakow, an obligatory stop on the tourist route is the Wieliczka salt mine to visit the splendid underground cathedral which, since 1978, has been part of the UNESCO heritage. Activate for over 700 years, this extraordinary mine represents one of the most fascinating treasures in Poland and has attracted over 38 million tourists from all over the world.
History and structure of the mine
The mine is made up of tunnels and tunnels that extend for about 300 kilometers distributed over 9 levels, even reaching 327 meters deep. For centuries it has been a source of enrichment for Poland, and today it is considered a cure -all to treat chronic allergies, asthma and other respiratory diseases thanks to the inhalations of saline vapors.
The vast network of tunnel under Wieliczka extends for almost 300 kilometers over nine levels, with the deepest point that reaches about 330 meters underground. It is possible to explore only a part of this intricate labyrinth, which however coincides with the most significant sections of the mine.
How to visit it
There are two different routes to explore the mine: the tourist route, the most popular, extends for 3.5 km and reaches a depth of 135 m. It offers a glimpse of the beauty of the mine and the essential areas. Alternatively, the second route, known as the miner’s path, is 2 km long and reaches 101 m deep. It requires miner clothing and offers a unique experience in the mine, similar to that of a miner.
The tourist route starts from the well Daniłowicz and includes over 20 visited rooms, framed by over 800 steps – prepared to travel 800 steps to the deepest point of the mine: an adventure that involves more steps than the climb of the Eiffel Tower!
A world made of salt
The mine is mainly made of salt. With the exception of some wooden elements, the interior of the mine, including the walls, the crystal decorations and the sculptures, is an extraordinary work of art made mainly of salt. Each corner tells a unique story, showing the artistic skills of miners and their attention to detail.
There are beautiful rooms carved in salt, bas -reliefs and statues distributed in the rooms that can be visited, together with underground lakes with green waters and statues carved by miners.
The cathedral of salt
The most extraordinary moment of the visit is the meeting with the Cathedral of salt, a huge chapel decorated entirely with this mineral, from the reproductions of works such as the last dinner to the crucifixion to the apparition of Christ to the Apostles.
Even candlesticks, floors, altars, columns and sacred vestments are made entirely of salt in this church dedicated to the Blessed Kinga, the patron of the Poish miners to whom, according to legend, this land owes its saline wealth.
A certainly not easy work: to make it it was necessary to remove 20 thousand tons of salt in thirty years of work. The chapel often hosts art concerts and exhibitions as well as wedding ceremonies.
The museum
Of invaluable value there is the collection of trolleys, machinery and tools collected in the Museum of the Krakow Saline which is located 135 meters deep. The extraordinary ability to conservation of salt has made it possible to maintain in a surprisingly good different ancient ancient instruments and mining machinery, offering a look at the technological evolution of salt extraction.
The horses of the mine
Over the years, many horses have been used inside the mine for transporting the trolleys containing salt. The beasts spent most of their life underground and when they died were buried there, since their weight made it impossible to transport them to the surface. It is surprising how the trolleys operated by these horses, preserved in salt, are still in operation.
Therapeutic benefits and products
Beyond its historical meaning, the Wieliczka salt mine is an unconventional place of care. The microclimate of the mine is believed to have therapeutic benefits, attracting tourists with respiratory disorders who want to try something different from the usual therapies.
Wieliczka’s brine or sodium chloride mineral water is extracted from the depths of the mine and is sold as a beneficial product for the bathroom and body, offering a relaxing experience of well -being at home.
Unique events and experiences
Not only is it possible to make guided tours, but also participate in concerts, banquets and conferences inside the chapels and rooms. The space is pervaded by an aura of charm and a sculptural beauty that lends itself perfectly to special events and meetings.
During the visit, visitors can listen to Chopin’s music that accompanies the entire experience, making this place truly unmissable and capable of giving suggestive emotions.
The Cathedral of Italian salt
Italy also has its own cathedral of salt: in Realmonte, in the province of Agrigento in Sicily, a church carved by the miners where the feast of Santa Barbara, their protector, is celebrated every year.
The suggestive Mine of Realmonte carved inside the salt mine
