Wieliczka Salt Mine hits tourist record
PR dla Zagranicy
John Beauchamp
08.01.2015 08:54
The historic salt mine in Wieliczka near Kraków attracted 1.29 million visitors last year, 80 thousand more than in 2013 and an all-time record.
Director of the mine, Kajetan d'Obyrn, told the Polish Press Agency that foreigners account for a half of visitors, the most sizeable groups coming from Britain, Germany, Italy, France and Spain. Tourists from close on 200 countries visited the site.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine was founded in the mid-13th century.
The mine was opened to tourists at the end of the 18th century and currently features a 2.5-km route for visitors that includes over 20 chambers with historic statues, a large chapel, and an underground lake. There is also a private rehabilitation and wellness complex.
In 1978 the Wieliczka Mine was included in the original UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. (mk/jb)