Wieliczka Salt Mine, Wieliczka, Poland

The Wieliczka Salt Mine was built in the 13th century and produced table salt continuously until 2007, as one of the world's oldest salt mines still in operation. From its beginning and throughout its existence, the Royal mine was run by the Żupy krakowskie Salt Mines.

The mine's attractions include dozens of statues and four chapels that have been carved out of the rock salt by the miners. The oldest sculptures are augmented by the new carvings by contemporary artists. About 1.2 million people visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine annually.

The Wieliczka salt mine reaches a depth of 327 metres and is over 287 kilometres long. In 1978 it was placed on the original UNESCO list of the World Heritage Sites. Even the crystals of the chandeliers are made from rock salt that has been dissolved and reconstituted to achieve a clear, glass-like appearance. It also houses a private rehabilitation and wellness complex.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

CJ (4 months ago)
Amazing experience. The salt mine is absolutely beautiful. We spent around 3 hours underground and reached 135 metres deep! There are many chambers. Everything is very safe and well put together. The guide was also knowledgeable. The highlight by far was going to the level 3 with one guide just for me and my partner. Do this - nobody else seemed bothered, but it's included in the ticket! Also, there are toilets after 1h30 and 2h. Enjoy! (A special thank you to the guide who is also a Russian teacher, she was fantastic! Sorry we didn't catch your name)

Jiří Kinský (4 months ago)
Breathtaking experience like no other. Monumental underground spaces. The tour is around 2,5 hours long. It is by foot on stairs down the mine but there is elevator going up. Buying tickets online is smart especially on weekend visit.

Maksim Blair (8 months ago)
Overall great experience here. I took the English tour and it was very enjoyable. It is a very high traffic attraction so keep that in mind. It took about two hours to do our tour of the mine. You only get to see a fraction of this beautiful place, but nonetheless it is worth while going. I highly recommend getting a tour while in Krakow!!!

Daniel Chorley (9 months ago)
Comprehensive tour of one of the first UNESCO world heritage sites. The tour is quite physical and involves a lot of walking - one to keep in mind for those with mobility issues or small children. The guide opens with the history and how the salt was mined over time. The rooms and compartments are larger and more elaborate as you deepen into the mine. The construction is simply breathtaking.

Maeve D (12 months ago)
Great experience! Would highly recommend the group tours rather than an individual one. Very informative and interactive too. Our tour guide Simon was amazing. He made it super interesting and fun:) suitable for all ages I think. Very impressed with our tour!

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Les Invalides is a complex of buildings containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans, the building"s original purpose. The buildings house the Musée de l"Armée, the military museum of the Army of France, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, and the Musée d"Histoire Contemporaine, as well as the burial site for some of France"s war heroes, notably Napoleon Bonaparte.

Louis XIV initiated the project in 1670, as a home and hospital for aged and unwell soldiers: the name is a shortened form of hôpital des invalides. The architect of Les Invalides was Libéral Bruant. The enlarged project was completed in 1676, the river front measured 196 metres and the complex had fifteen courtyards. Jules Hardouin Mansart assisted the aged Bruant, and the chapel was finished in 1679 to Bruant"s designs after the elder architect"s death.

Shortly after the veterans" chapel was completed, Louis XIV commissioned Mansart to construct a separate private royal chapel referred to as the Église du Dôme from its most striking feature. Inspired by St. Peter"s Basilica in Rome, the original for all Baroque domes, it is one of the triumphs of French Baroque architecture. The domed chapel is centrally placed to dominate the court of honour. It was finished in 1708.

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