Wieliczka - town in southern Poland (near Krakow) known from the famous salt mine. Salt was mined here long before the Poland was founded. In 1978 Wieliczka was registered in World Heritage UNESCO List .

First discovered traces of salt extraction are from IX century (but it is proved, that salt was produced over 5000 years ago). Probably, the first people in Wieliczka were Celtic. Extraction in those time was done not by mining, but from evaporation of brine. First mine was built after discovery rock salt in 1292. The importance of Wieliczka was great. The city supplied the salt not only to Poland and Kracow which was capital. Salt from Wieliczka was exported allover the Europe.

Today in Wieliczka mines is museum, where people can see how the salt was mined. It's definitly worth to see, because tourists could also visit corridors, galleries, underground fountains, salt sculptures and  chapels from different periods of time. But the most monumental attractions are Crystal Caves - voids, empty spaces in the rock covered by the salt crystals - under a strict  protection.

Interesting details:

- some of the caves in Wieliczka (211 meters under the ground) are used in healing respiratory disases.

- in the Wieliczka's chambers there is organized famous New Years Eve's ball. Spending the night in mine is unforgetable, but also expensive.

- Salt Mine Museum in Wieliczka is known all over the world. Every year more than milion tourists are visiting Wieliczka.

All photos were made by AngloPolish and are free to use in non commercial purposes