We're up early and on the road to Kraków. Along the way we stop to view the 'Black Madonna' at the Jasna Gora. I had no idea what this was but it is very famous. There are services going on constantly in this church and the day we were there several children were taking Communion. It's so weird that the tourists just file through, taking pictures while the service is being conducted and the church is packed. It felt so wrong to take a picture....I only snuck one but still!!!
Then we were off and a couple of hours later we are pulling in to Kraków. It is greener and prettier here but the weather remains cool. As we enter the city we see a large hot air balloon. It's tethered to the ground though.
After checking in at the hotel we quickly get ready and head off for our tour of the Salt Mine. This is quite amazing and we only see a small portion of it. It's a city under a city.
Getting packed tight in the elevator....pretty scary as we were sent down in to the mine....it was pitch black and then you arrive. It's well lit but I'd sure hate to get lost down there.
The mine is no longer a working mine as of a few years ago. Tourism pays more than the salt. They employ 300 miners to maintain the mine and 400 tour guides to show the tourists around.
There is lots of art that was created out of salt by the miners. There is also art that was done by professional artists.
There are at least two chapels in the mine. They also used horses and had stables for them down in the mine.
Just an example of the workings in the mine. Lots made with wood using pulleys. It was considered a good job to work in the mine however dangerous. We don't leave the mine until 7:30 pm and get back to the hotel for dinner after 8:00 pm. Long day and we have an early start tomorrow.
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