Project description

Project description
project name: Multimedia exhibition at Bochnia's Salt
Mine and Spa
beneficiary: Uzdrowisko Kopalnia Soli Bochnia sp. z
o.o.
region: małopolskie
fund: European Regional Development Fund
operational programme: Regional Programme of Małopolskie
Voivodeship
project value: 2 814 620.76 zł
EU grant value: 686 352.19 zł
punktor projekt realizowany
w latach 2007-2013
Project description
The biggest magnet for visitors in Bochnia is Poland’s oldest salt mine, its origins dating back to 1248. Salt
ceased to be mined commercially here only in the early 1990s when the tunnels and shafts were
transformed into a tourist attraction and spa. With their unique microclimate, the salt chambers are
conducive to the treatment of upper respiratory tract illnesses. In the underground sanatorium, the most
interesting place is the Ważyn chamber at a depth of 250 meters, the largest man-made underground
chamber in Europe. It houses accommodation, a disco and a playground. The old mine is also a venue for
conferences and cultural and sports events.
Visiting the mine is a true adventure. At its various levels, you can explore the spectacular workings and
chambers, chapels carved out in salt and decorated with salt sculptures and paintings. History buffs can see
the antique mining equipment and tools, and even enjoy a boat ride. But the biggest thrill, unique in the
world, is provided by the Underground Multimedia Exhibition co-financed with EU funds. This “journey back
into history” offers an opportunity to meet Polish kings, Genoese salt miners and even the ghost of a
Cistercian monk, the order being responsible for setting up the mine. The tunnels and chambers of this
underground salt town are filled with sounds, images and smells that make you believe the mine is still
operated and the miners continue to work as hard as they did in the old days. All this is possible only using
21st-century technologies: video projectors, screens, multimedia kiosks, computers, speakers and interactive
boards.
In the 5th contest Poland Even More Beautiful. Seven Miracles of EU Funds, the project was nominated for
the main award in the Sights category.