Wieliczka Salt Mines

Near Krakow is the Wieliczka Salt Mines. We did a 3 hour walking tour of the mines, which was fantastic. The mines were dug out in the 14th century I think, and they are massive, and one of the reasons why Krakow was so rich at the time. The mines go to about 140m underground, and most of the walls are made from black salt rock, which you can lick for some salty goodness.

As I did not get a permit to take photos in the mines, I have taken most of these pics from the internet to show you the mines.

 Descending down countless floors to the bottom

 There are displays all over the mine about how they used to mine back in the day. Pretty interesting, and you can try out some of the pulley systems and such - very effective for lifting heavy weights!

 salty rock pools

 The mines are also full of sculptors made out of the salt rock to tell the history of the mines.

 This was incredible! This is the largest of the chapels that had been carved out more than 100m underground, so the miners could go to pray before work. The detail and intricacy of the carvings in the walls, along with the size and beauty of the chapel made this possibly my favourite church I have seen anywhere. They still hold services and weddings here, and people ride down rickety old miners lifts to get to church.

 This statue carved out of salt rock is semi-transparent

 detail of the wall carvings in the chapel