Wieliczka
The historic Salt Mine in Wieliczka is the only place in the world where mining has been continuos from the Middle Ages. Constructed on nine levels, these excavations (longitudinal, traverses, chambers, lakes, as well as the small and the major shafts) stretch for 300 kilometers and reach a depth of 327 meters. They illustrate the stages of the development of mining technology over time." The quotation comes from the justification of entering the Wieliczka Salt Mine onto UNESCO's 1st World List of Cultural and Natural Heritage on 9th September, 1978 together with 12 other sites from all over the world.
Walk through the mine chambers takes about 3 hours. You will see more than 20 chambers, the extraordinary chapel, a huge number of stalactites, stalagmites and other splendid geological formations. To enter the first chamber visitors have to descend the stairs (380 steps) to 64 meters below ground level. You go up to the surface, 135m, using a special (express) lift - a great experience for kids and adults!
