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Monday, September 17, 2012

Wieliczka Salt Mine — A world treasure unknown outside eastern Europe

Wieliczka Salt Mine — A world treasure unknown outside eastern Europe

bookofjoe

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From Wikipedia:

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The mine, built in the 13th century, produced table salt continuously until 2007, as one of the world's oldest salt mines still in operation.

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[From an email accompanying a number of these photos: "It may feel like you are in the middle of a Jules Verne adventure as you descend into the depths of the world. After a 500-foot climb down wooden stairs, the visitor will see some amazing sights."]

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From its beginning and throughout its existence, the Royal mine was run by the Żupy krakowskie Salt Mines.

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Commercial mining was discontinued in 1996 due to low salt prices and mine flooding."

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The mine's attractions include dozens of statues and an entire chapel that has been carved out of the rock salt by the miners.

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The oldest sculptures are augmented by the new carvings by actual artists.

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About 1.2 million people visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine annually.

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[via Virginia Moore]

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