Wieliczka Salt mine The Holy Cross Chapel

7th November 2014 

The chapel was established as a votive offering for saving the mine from a catastrophic underground flood in the second half of the 19th century. A variety of equipment in the interior was gathered from several ancient places of worship. The way in which the chamber is decorated testifies to the phenomena called " the travelling" of the chapels to safe places and areas work work was initiated, that is where new areas of exploitation began. 

The altar is situated in a recess cased in wood and crowned with an arc. The construction 

The Holy Cross Chapel is located 91,5 metres underground



is supported on two salt columns with pilasters decorated in an interesting style with plant motifs.

A wooden 19th wooden figure of Christ on a cross hangs in the central position above the altar.Salt monks stand in front of mensa. The interior is lit with chandeliers dated back from 19th century.

Traces of wedges used during exploitation can be noticed on the right hand side, at the entrance to the chamber.