Wieliczka Salt mines
Having done the trip out to Auschwitz , the other must see for me was that of the Wieliczka salt mines. Until I started planning for this trip I had never heard of these mines. Once I had my attention drawn to them it became a must see. The longevity of the mines, first started in the thirteenth century, it was still producing salt in 2007. The sculptures in salt all too much to pass.
Leaving at 10.15am left time for a leisurely breakfast and Wifi fix. Then off to the square to meet the bus for the tour of the Wieliczka salt mines. About ten or twelve of us boarded the small bus, and in the capable hands of our driver and guide we set off to the salt mines becoming part of the million or so visitors that visit every year.
Half an hour away from Krakow it was an easy drive and covered much the same route that I had seen the previous day . I don’t know what I expected but a plain building surrounded by the inevitable souvenirs and coffee shops was not what I expected of a salt mine well over 700 years old. The driver dropped us at the main gate to save walking too far in the heat that was rising by the hour. Time for a toilet stop, then we were collected by our respective guides to go down the mine, one English speaking, one Polish.
We had been warned there would be a lot of steps to go down, over 800 in actual fact! Not all in one go, as we would go down some , see a sculpture or point of interest walk along a passageway and then do the same again. I could feel my claustrophobia sitting there waiting to take over. The thought that we were going deeper and deeper was not a good feeling. Our guide
telling us he had been down the mines over 3000 times and hadn’t lost anyone yet, for me was not the best thing to say. It is always there is a first time for everything, and why not today! The temperature a constant 14-15 degrees was very pleasant, although cool, it wasn’t a problem
As we passed the various statues and displays all carved out of salt , you could not help but wonder about the skills and patience of the miners. The guide kept us amused and interested as he told the tales and history of the mines along the over 2.5 kms of mine alleyways, steps and caverns. I didn’t suffer with my phobia at all as there was too much else to take in.
We passed lakes of salty water with a ph that would not let you dive into the water and come up again. He told of a tale of a boating accident that was just that, not particularly deep water but of a density very dangerous to the people that fell out of the boat. A man selling photo permits for 10 zloty, I felt was a rip off merchant, and didn’t buy one, some did. The chapel was a beautiful sight, with its salt carved religious figures. The nativity scene with its translucent baby Jesus, the figures look dark and gray, but putting a light through them gives an eerie glow. The last supper from the painting by Michelangelo magnificent. The chandeliers and the way they looked, could have been the real thing, only all done with salt crystals……stunning.
Certainly from the chapel on the carvings were a delight. On to the hall to find shops and more beauty in salt, surrounded by the excited chatter of hordes of school children. From here we were treated to another lake this one from
the recent history and construction. Lights to suit the music that was added to create a wonderful spectacle of a still , shimmering salty water lake.
From here we were guided to the waiting lifts, staying first in the underground reception area that included Wifi and a mobile signal for all those that had suffered from not being connected.
Then on to the lifts. These held nine people each , just cages with small holed sheets of metal making the walls secure. This for me was the worst hurdle to get over, the lifts were stacked in a group of four apparently. The trip to the surface was a mercifully fast 51 seconds. I couldn’t have stood much longer being cooped up like that.
Finishing off the day with more steps before going out into the very warm day with the welcome sight of the sun!
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