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Krakow, Poland:  The Wieliczka Salt Mine

 

About the Wielczka Salt Mine:

This salt mine on the outskirts of Krakow is one of the world’s most unique attractions. Sometimes called “White Gold”, the salt from this mine made Krakow a wealthy city in the 16th & 17th Centuries. Salt, of course, was a highly sought after commodity both as a preservative and a seasoning. And the Bible exhorts Christians to be the “salt of the earth”.

The mine continued in operation until the late 20th Century, when it was discontinued due to flooding and other concerns.

Wieliczka Salt Mine in PolandWhat makes the mine of particular interest to Catholics and others as well, are the many chapels, rooms and statues carved completely out of salt.  The steadfast Catholic faith of the miners is on display in numerous ways, from complete chapels with chandeliers made of salt to more recent items such as a statue of Pope John Paul II shown on the right).

Tours are offered daily and some of the areas are used for weddings, concerts and other events.

This is an opportunity not to be missed–especially if you are able to attend Mass here.

 

Traveling to the Wieliczka Salt Mine:

The mine is just outside of Krakow and can be reached by train from the main railway station in Krakow or the #304 bus from near Galeria Krakowska (ul. Kurniki).

There is also a museum here that is well worth a visit.

Address: Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland

GPS coordinates (museum): 49° 58′ 58.7964” N, 20° 3′ 20.4444” E

Tel: +48 12 278 7302     Fax:   +48 12 278 7333

e-mail: turystyka@kopalnia.pl

Click here for the official website of the Wieliczka Salt Mines.
(Lots of great pictures and information).

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