Just 12km (seven miles) south-east of Krakow and some 100 metres below ground level lies the Royal Salt Mine at Wieliczka, first mined in the late 13th century and now justifiably a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided tour winds its way around underground lakes and, more remarkably, the extraordinary salt sculptures of the miners.
The most spectacular cavern is the vast St Kinga's Chapel, which features smooth, marble-like floors, graceful chandeliers and carved copies of masterpieces (such as The Last Supper) - all made out of salt.
Other sculptures range from traditional Christian altars - some half-melted - to depictions of helpful gnomes working while the miners sleep and the "mine god" protecting the miner from harm. In spite of their Christian beliefs, the dangers of life underground led the miners to be highly superstitious.
Exhibitions in the underground Krakow Salt-Works Museum illustrate the functioning of the mine. The Salt-Works Castle traces the prehistory and history of Wieliczka and, in doing so, a history of salt.
Visitors also come for underground conferences and art exhibitions, to bungee jump into the blackness below or even to get married in the eerie splendour of St Kinga's Chapel. The salty air is reputedly beneficial to the health as well.
This spectacular sight was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. Plans are underway to bring in boat trips along the underground rivers. Visitors can also descend into the mine by lift, making the trip possible for the disabled.
Other sculptures range from traditional Christian altars - some half-melted - to depictions of helpful gnomes working while the miners sleep and the "mine god" protecting the miner from harm. In spite of their Christian beliefs, the dangers of life underground led the miners to be highly superstitious.
Exhibitions in the underground Krakow Salt-Works Museum illustrate the functioning of the mine. The Salt-Works Castle traces the prehistory and history of Wieliczka and, in doing so, a history of salt.
Visitors also come for underground conferences and art exhibitions, to bungee jump into the blackness below or even to get married in the eerie splendour of St Kinga's Chapel. The salty air is reputedly beneficial to the health as well.
This spectacular sight was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. Plans are underway to bring in boat trips along the underground rivers. Visitors can also descend into the mine by lift, making the trip possible for the disabled.
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