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In the underground Museum Of Salt-Works you can see detailed and simply fantastic model of Wieliczka from 17th century.
The details could be reconstructed thanks to very detailed maps of Martin German. He was an geometrist and came from SWEDEN. He was working a few years since 1631 and created oryginal, detailed map of Wieliczka.
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Written Dec 28, 2002
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The first wells (to dig salt rocks) were built not before the Middle Ages. Why? Because the superficial resources of salt were almost exhausted. So people started to look for the salt (which was "white gold", sth like oil - dark gold - now hehe) underground.
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Written Dec 28, 2002
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The archeologic excavations revealed salt-works from the Neolithic period ca 3500 years ago in Wieliczka. They extracted salt from superficial salt-waters.
You can see reconstructed salt-works in the big and very detailed model.
Btw do you like such houses? I wander have they got any fire-brigades that time? he?
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Updated Dec 28, 2002
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Queen Kinga decided to serve the God instead of living in luxury Royal Wawel Castle in Krakow and she entered Roman Catholic convent.
She became the patron of miners and then she was blessed.
To honour her great serving to God miners built Kinga Chapel in salt rocks.
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Updated Dec 28, 2002
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There was miners' orchestra playing during the Holy Mass in the Blessed Kinga Chapel.
They played rather NOT underground music hehe. But the unique acoustics of the place had made hearing music here an exceptional experience.
Written Dec 28, 2002
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King of Poland Boleslav the Shy became engaged to be married with blessed Kinga in 1238. Kinga (vel Kunegunda) was daughter of Bela IV - king of Hungary. Leaving Hungary for Krakow (capitol of Poland that time) she didn't want to ask her father to give her any dowry in gold or silver. Instead of it she asked him to give her something which could serve either rich and poor people. Bela IV agreed, gave her wedding-ring and Kinga married Boleslav the Shy. After coming to Krakow she asked to dig the earth in Wieliczka and the salt was found there and - according to the legend - the queen's wedding-ring was found in the first rock of salt.
The above legend was an inspiration for miner-sculpturer Mieczyslaw Kluska. He carved natural size statues illustrating the legend in salt rocks.
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Written Dec 28, 2002
The natural fumes from the mine are said to be good for your lungs. There is an underground spa here, you can use to unwind in.
Written Jan 6, 2008
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They stored salt in special clay vases - look at the picture.
Could I buy such original vase anywhere? Hmm... rather copy of it :-)
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Written Dec 28, 2002
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Look at the picture how did the miners dig the salt in the past? It seems it was a very hard manually work, they used miner's hacks only.
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Updated Dec 28, 2002
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According to the very long tradition a few times a year a holy mass takes place in the Blessed Kinga Chapel. I was lucky to see it once - unforgettable experience.
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Written Dec 28, 2002
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Reviews and photos of Wieliczka attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Wieliczka sightseeing.

.According to the very long tradition a few times a year a holy mass takes place in the Blessed Kinga Chapel. I was lucky to see it once - unforgettable...
1 member lives in Wieliczka
Q: I have read that there is a lift to take people up to the surface at the end of the visit, but can one take a lift down? I am...
A: I hope it's not too late. I don't think it should be a problem, but you should contact them and ask:...
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1

Wieliczka is known around the world for one thing: salt. It has been mined here continuously since the Middle Ages and the mine is now a UNESCO Heritage Site and a must-see when in this part of...
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When talking about Wieliczka, it is always association born - thats salt mine! For real, according to UNESCO, it is one of the best preserved salt mines, where you can see many beautiful things...
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If you get tired of castles, palaces, churches and old squares - or even if you don“t - the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an excellent alternative for a tour. Located in the outskirts of Krakow (around 10km...
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700-year-old the Wieliczka Salt Mine

Would you like to receive a postcard from Poland? Click here, please! Thank you very, very much :-))) The Wieliczka Salt Mine, nowadays practically on the outskirts of Krakow, has been worked as a...
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Sunday May 30, 2010 - VT Group Tour to Wieliczka Salt Mine The Historic WIELICZKA SALT MINE, located 10 km from the centre of Krakow, is the only mine in the world where mining has been continuous...
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