Southeast of Krakow, the town of Wieliczka has one of the oldest salt mines in the world. The extraction of salt from local deposits began in the 13th century, and over the following 700 years, miners cut their way down some 327 metres under the surface. Nowadays, the mine has nine levels with over 245 kilometres of tunnels. The imposing site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Which takes us to the truly unique thing about Wieliczka. In addition to extracting and selling salt, miners also created numerous salt statues and reliefs. You can admire a salt copy of Leonardo’s Last Supper, an elaborate crucifix, or a statue of Pope John Paul II. But the highlight is the Chapel of St Kinga, a huge hall carved in salt dominated by a baroque altar with numerous salt statues. Only five kilometres of the tunnels are open to visitors. The “Tourist Tour” will take you to the most popular places, including the chapel and the salt lakes.

But that is by far not all! The castles Ojców and Pieskowa Skala are just the beginning of a chain of so-called Eagles’ Nests – castles built in the 14th century by Casimir the Great. The trail continues with the castles of Rabstztyn, Korzkiew, Lipowiec, and many more. Religious travellers might include a trip to Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II.