Wieliczka is a small town in the southern Poland with population of 19 thousand residents. It is located 12 km to the south-east from Cracow. The town lies in a valley between two ridges that stretch from west to east: south Wieliczka foothills, north Bogucice sands, including the Wieliczka-Gdów Upland. The first settlers were probably from the Celtic tribes. In later years they were driven out by the Slavic population. In 1252 deposits of salt and potasium were discovered and henceforth the extraction of salt reached deep regions in the earth. Wieliczka

Mine in Wieliczka The Wieliczka Salt Mine lies within the Kraków metropolitan area. The mine, built in the 13th century, produced table salt continuously until 2007, as one of the world's oldest salt mines still in operation. From its beginning and throughout its existence, the Royal mine was run by the Żupy krakowskie Salt Mines. Commercial mining was discontinued in 1996 due to low salt prices and mine flooding.

The Wieliczka salt mine reaches the depth of 327 metres and is over 300 kilometres long. There are about 3000 chambers and 9 floors.

Legend of the magic grinder A long time ago water in the Polish sea, rivers and lakes was sweet. Thanks to the magic grinder which, after telling the correct spell, sprinkled with the salt, the Baltic Sea turned into the salty sea. The magic object came from the salt mine in the Wieliczka.

The legend says that Kinga threw her ring into the mine in Hungary. In mysterious way, it was found in the salt mine near Cracow. Legend of Kinga’s ring

Thanks for watching my presentation Patrycja Orman