Exploring the stunning St Kinga’s chapel - over 100m below the surface in Wieliczka salt mine, near Kraków, Poland
Image credit: Haus of Hiatus
An experience drawn straight out of an Indiana Jones film, (or a Tomb Raider video game for us millennials), when we visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine, located near Kraków, one of the world's oldest operating salt mines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located in the town of Wieliczka near Kraków, Poland, it’s a history that dates back over 700 years and is considered one of Poland's most important cultural and historical landmarks – and rightly so when you see the incredible complexity of the sculptures.
From our guide’s deep insight, the salt mine was established in the 13th century and remained in operation until 2007 when commercial salt production ceased. However, it continues to be open to the public as a popular tourist destination, offering a unique underground experience.
The mine is renowned for its vast underground complex of tunnels, chambers, which I explored through a guided tour that showcases the remarkable architecture, craftsmanship, and rich history of the mine through a really knowledgeable guide who spoke excellent English.
One of the most impressive features of the salt mine is the ornate underground chapels. The most famous of these is the Chapel of St. Kinga, a stunning underground church carved entirely out of salt. The stunning chapel features exquisite salt sculptures, altarpieces, and chandeliers and astoundingly, was carved entirely out of the salt by 3 miners over 67 years from the early 19th century.
The mine also houses underground lakes, with the most notable being the "Mirror Lake." Its exceptionally clear and still water creates a beautiful reflection of the surrounding salt formations and adds to the mystical ambiance of the underground environment.
Throughout the mine, there are various chambers and exhibits that showcase the mining tools, equipment, and historical artefacts, providing insights into the mining process and the lives of the miners throughout history, and will provide an incredible entertaining three or four hours of your day.
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In episode 10, I talk to Alice Morrison, an international author, explorer, and adventurer, known for her writing about her travels to and experiences in remote, challenging, and sandy locations in the Middle East and North Africa.
Often highlighted as the ‘Indiana Jones for girls’, she is the author of "Walking with Nomads", and "Dodging Elephants," which detail her journey through the Sahara Desert.