The Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland is a Timeless Masterpiece

A travel along the corridors of the Wieliczka salt mine inspired Polish writer Bolesław Prus to write his most famous novel -”Pharaoh”. Over the centuries, all of the explored chambers of the salt mine in Poland have been transformed into artistic masterpieces.

The Wieliczka mine’s deposit is dated back to the Middle Miocene – 13.6 million years ago. Currently, it reaches a depth of 327 meters (1,073 ft.) and it is 287 km (178 miles) long. This site is one of the greatest attractions in southern Poland, but also one of the country’s most important natural treasures. The first people entered the mine and started using the salt from the deposit during the Neolithic period. This Polish salt mine is a key part of the region’s culture and also a wonderful underground monument which commemorates many generations of miners.

Surface and underground views of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. (CC BY-SA 4.0)