Sunday, October 12, 2014

Wieliczka Salt Mines

Did you know that salt comes in different colors? We are all used to white salt but in this mine there is blue, green, black and red salt as well.  This mine was built in the 13th century and is still operating.  It has dozens of statues carved from salt, three chapels and an underground lake.



Salt Mine Building
The first set of stairs in the building.


Be aware there are massive amount of steps going down into the Salt mine - I felt like I was in a Dr. Who film where there was never ending steps - well over 300. But in the end, you get to ride up the very old elevators to the exit.


Endless tunnels exist and much of the mine is closed to tourists but you still spend a good 2 hours seeing many statues and interesting areas.
The last supper carved in salt.

Linking to: Shadow Shot Sunday 2

12 comments:

Gosia said...

Yes I know salt can be in different colours. The salt mine is amazing site. I have been there many times

Gerald (SK14) said...

amazing place but I couldn't manage all those steps

EG CameraGirl said...

I have heard of this mine! How wonderful that you got to actually see it!

betty-NZ said...

I never thought about salt being different colors. What a great place to spend some time. It looks fascinating.

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

I grew up with having salt of different colors in Hawaii-the white, the red and the black. The minerals in which the salt is at influences the color of the salt. Red=iron. What a beautiful salt mine!

Michelle said...

I did know that about salt. Such a valuable commodity in times past.

Sara Chapman said...

I never even heard of such a place. This is in Poland? Salt sculptures! Who knew?

Mike@Bit About Britain said...

Fascinating! I've been down a couple of salt mines, one in the UK and one in Germany, but they didn't have that many different colours and certainly not those amazing carvings. Brilliant!

Ida said...

What a totally fascinating place. Of course all those stairs wouldn't be so much fun. Good thing you get an elevator ride back up. Loved the Last Supper.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I've read about the different salts but never tried them, except sea salt. This is so interesting! Enjoy your week! Hugs, Diane

orvokki said...

What an amazing place.
Thank you for showing the pictures.
I would like to go there, it would certainly be exciting and interesting.

Dina said...

Fascinating what you show us here. I am not a big fan of tunnels or underground things, so I'm glad to see the salt on your blog instead of going down there myself.

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