Poland’s Buried Treasure: The Grandeur of the Wieliczka Salt Mines

posted on : April 29, 2023 posted by : Pamelahawthorne

The Wieliczka Salt Mines. A thousand feet deep, 200 miles of passageways first dug with hand tools by salt miners beginning in the 13th century when salt was precious as silver.

Miles and miles of tunnels in the salt

Hundreds of miles of tunnels first bored with hand tools in the 1200’s

Miles of scaffolding and stairways

Magnificent carvings in grey salt rocks. Chandeliers carved from salt crystals.

From beneath the salt carved chandeliers

Carvings are a visual soliloquy

Miner’s portraiture line the walls

There are over twenty separate chapels in the mine dating from the 17th century. I expected the salt to be white, but it varies from all shades of gray to black.

810 steps to the Grand Hall

A rainbow of salt crystals, from the lightest gray to black

The mine’s enormous underground church, carved in the early 20th century, is still used for mass. Everything here, including the ornate altar and the grand chandelier, is hewn from this underworld of salt.

Active altar where masses still performed

The hollowed-out caverns left from digging have been transformed over the years into fairytale spaces. The conclusion of an 810 step stairway opens onto the most impressive area of the tour; the Great Hall at the base of the mine, lit by huge, sparkling rock salt chandeliers.

Another of the amazing carvings by working miners.

Detailed and expansive biblical scenes line the walls of the hall. There are small chapels devoted to Polish saints, and walkways built to view underground lakes.

The Grand Hall…picturing a wedding reception here!

Interior salt lake, more saline than the Dead Sea!

Chapels carved into the rock walls

 

Closeup of one of the splendid chandeliers
Miner’s testimony of faith

These were carved by miners who, after completing their dangerous labors, turned to art. Their intricate carvings testify to their talents and faith. A visit to the mines is certainly worthy of a place on your bucket list if you find yourself in Eastern Europe!

Related Posts

Unraveling The Best and Biggest Mysteries of Machu Picchu

What is Machu Picchu? There is no reference to Machu Picchu in Inca literature or …

October 28, 2024

“Si!” to Peru’s Signature Delicacies, Ceviche and Pisco Sours

My recent Peruvian adventure included a deep, delicious dive into the country’s authentic cuisine with …

October 26, 2024

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© 2022 ABROADTRAVELINGABROAD.com. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED