 |
First, it's a long walk down. Some 365 wooden steps,
we were told.
Hmmm why that number, I wonder.
There was a lift but that
was for coming up. |
 |
We get a short rest at the bottom as our guide tells
us what's in store for us. |
|
The lift is hidden behind the safety
instructions. |
 |
Jean on the left, our guide on the right. |
 |
 |
The salt miners have carved statues and figures which
have now been carefully lit, sometimes to a theme.
The story of salt mining over the last 700 years. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The figures to the left were not made from salt,
we're talking Disney plastic here!
On the right, salt in solution dribbling out of an old
pipe. Definitely not drinking water. |
 |
 |
This tableau was definitely in the Disney mould. |
 |
The miners were superstitious and religious and
consequently built chapels underground for their convenience.
Built is possibly the wrong word. Excavated is perhaps a
more appropriate word. The roofs are shored with timber: a plentiful
resource in Poland. |
 |
and then you come to the BIG one. This was built by
just three men over a number of years.
The chapel of St Kinga with alterpieces, chandeliers and
sculptures all made of common or (not quite) garden salt. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Underground pool, too. A bit like the Dead sea; you
won't sink in this water. You might get a bit cold though.
A monument from the time of Communist occupation at the
end.
Very Lenin! |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Some of the chambers are very high: this one at 115
feet. The timber is used to provide additional
bracing.
Another lake.
|
 |
|
At the lowest point of the mine (that
the public are allowed into) you are about 135 metres below ground. |
 |
The temperature remains at a comfortable 12 deg C or
so. To the right here, they are
preparing a short boat trip for future visitors. |
 |
