Wieliczka Salt Mines

This picture probably isn't going to look brilliant as it's so small & a bit dark but try enlarging it. It's the "cathedral" in the salt mines, a brilliant place to visit! completely different to anything else we'd done before, it was a wonderful exposition of industry technology history and art! The mine started in the 1400's. One of the first tourists there was Copernicus at around the time Columbus was discovering America!!! It was quite awe inspiring to be treading in Copernicus' footsteps. There are nine levels to the mine but we only visited the top three down to 134m below ground. I forget the full depth but if the Eiffel Tower was placed at the bottom level it wouldn't reach the surface! Final fact before I get too boring - Tolkien visited here and was told about the dwarves the miners believed lived there & it's thought this gave him the inspiration for the Mines of Moria in lord of the Rings.

Afterwards, had a wander around the old town again, a super meal and then watched some street entertainment in the main square, including these amazing dancers.


Elvie