Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines
The rock salt mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia have been mined since the 13th century. This large industrial enterprise enjoys royal status and is the oldest salt mine in Europe. The site is a continuous heritage site that includes the Wieliczka and Bochnia Salt Mines and the Wieliczka Saltworks Castle. The Royal Salt Mines of Wieliczka and Bochnia show the historical stages of the development of mining technology in Europe from the 13th to the 20th century: both mines have hundreds of kilometers of galleries with artworks, underground churches and statues carved out of salt that make you feel like you are immersed in a fascinating history. The administration and technology of the salt mines are managed by the Wieliczka Saltworks Castle, which dates back to the Middle Ages and has been rebuilt many times in the course of its history.