Wieliczka Salt Mine, A subterranean wonderland of salt-carved marvels

10 Daniłowicza Street, 32-020 Wieliczka Poland

The salt mine is unexpectedly large and beautiful

4.4

Introduction

Wieliczka Salt Mine is located in southern Poland and was built in the 13th century. It used to supply salt to the Polish monarchy. Known as the oldest operating salt mine in the world, it has now ceased extraction. The mine reaches a depth of 327 meters and stretches over 300 kilometers across nine levels. It features rooms, chapels, sculptures, and underground lakes, resembling an underground city. One of the most famous structures is the St. Kinga's Chapel, built in 1896 and completed in 1963 after over 70 years of craftsmanship. The chapel is over 54 meters long, 15-18 meters wide, and 10-12 meters high. It is adorned with intricately patterned floors and beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Inside, there are altars and numerous statues, including a 5-6 feet tall statue of the Virgin Mary. The walls are adorned with many reliefs, including one depicting Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting "The Last Supper." The mine attracts approximately 1.2 million visitors every year. In 1978, the Wieliczka Salt Mine was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Address

10 Daniłowicza Street, 32-020 Wieliczka Poland

Opening hours

April 1 to October 31 from 7:30 to 19:30, November 2 to March 31 of the following year from 8:00 to 17:00, the day before Easter from 7:00 to 14:00, and December 31 from 8:00 to 14:00. Closed on January 1, Easter Day, November 1, and December 24 and 25.

Transportation

From the small street Kurniki opposite the central railway station in Krakow, walk 50 meters inside to reach the 304 bus terminal. Take the 304 bus to Wieliczka Kopalnia soli station and walk 100 meters along the signs to reach the entrance of the salt mine. Alternatively, take the train to Dworzec PKP Wieliczka-Rynek station and walk south for 10 minutes to reach it. Taking the train is recommended.

Phone +48 12 278 73 02/+48 12 278 73 66/+ 48 12 426 20 50

Website http://www.kopalnia.pl