Wednesday 12 September 2007

Salt Mine Magic



The Salt Pine in Wieliczka, Poland has operated since the end of the 13th century and was placed by UNESCO on the First International List of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Even though tourists only get to see 1% of the mine during their two-hour tour it's absolutely amazing. The tourist route includes salt sculptures including Goethe, a lake, shops, a cafe and a cathedral.

I am very excited to add 'ate lunch 125 metres underground' to my life list of things I've done.

The two things I was most enamoured with were: the chandeliers (pictured above) that are made of salt instead of glass; and the legend behind how the mine was found that I will attempt to retell.

Poland's Queen Kinga married the Polish king Boleslaw the Modest in the 13th century. Originally from Hungary the legend says that before leaving Hungary to go to Poland Kinga threw her engagement ring into the Hungarian Maramures salt mine. When she got to Poland she instructed people to dig in particular spot. When they did they not only discovered the salt mine but Kinga's engagement ring. The salt mine was Kinga's wedding gift to Poland and she became the patron saint of miners.

Not a bad gift given that at the time salt was more valuable than gold.

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