MMM... Salty

Wieliczka Salt Mine has been in service for about 900 years. It contains over 200 kilometers of passages as well as more than 2,000 caverns. The mine remains a constant 15 degrees Celsius (59 F) year round.

Our tour started with a staircase descent to 64 meters in depth and by the end of the tour, we were 135 meters below the surface. There are apparently more levels deeper than this, as much as 200 meters, some of which are filled with ground water.

Here is my friend Sarah, who borrowed the tour guide's hat for a photo.

Many of the pathways are braced with wood.

And in some of the others you can see the exposed salt. We followed some long tunnels to work our way through the mines.

Oddly, the mine is filled with statues carved right out of the salt.The most impressive carving in the mine is the Chapel of Saint Kinga. This huge chapel is entirely carved out of the salt and they hold Mass here each Sunday.

Even the floors are salt.

And the chandelier.

And the decorations on the walls. (Journey from Bethlehem)

And the statues. (Sacred Heart)

The artists were pretty talented. Even though the carving is only a few inches deep, the image appears to have a lot more depth. (Wedding Feast at Cana)

(The Last Supper)

Even the altar is made of salt.

Why do I feel like there must be some reference here to Lot's wife?

Moving on... there are a lot of exhibits on mining equipment and the lives of miners.

You used to be able to do boat tours here.

And if you feel so inspired by this, you can hold your next party or your wedding here.

I was very tempted to ask for unsalted peanuts at the snack bar, but Sarah wouldn't let me.

So, I bet you are wondering, "Is that all really carved from salt?" Well, see for yourself. Here's a close-up.

Still not convinced? Take my word for it! MMM!

OK, Mom. You can stop being appalled at your daughter's behavior. I didn't really lick the wall. But that is mainly because I don't know who might have licked it before me.