Poland: Krakow (Wielieczk salt mine)

Wielieczk salt mine is declared by UNESCO as 1 of 12 most priceless monuments in the world.



Our tour guide who is full of dry humour

Inside the salt mine, another world exists.
Salt Statues



Copernicus



Kinga, princess of Hungary



Early miners @ work





This is the most impressive place: St Kinga's Chapel, where there is the sculpture of Poland's beloved child...



Pope John Paul II...



Last Supper...

Somehow all these remind me of the Dwarven mines of Moria in LOTR



Underground salt lakes



Underground Tourist shops. Note all the grey part of the pic is salt, not rock



The Warsaw Chamber used for ball concerts, sports and fairs



One thing really interesting abt salt mines is the air inside. Salt mines not only are free from the dirty air that plaques other types of mines eg iron or coal mine, they actually have cleaner air than the air on the surface. Most salt miners live to a long age. In fact, even today, people with respiratory problems actually stay here for a few months to cure their respiratory problems!



The lift up from the mine is an experience. We are packed into this small lift that fires up quickly and U could feel the wind blasting thru the rickety lift.



Dinner @ Vega, a vegetarian restaurant. The right dish is the Polish peirogi(dumplings).