Salt Mine at Soledar, Ukraine

Deep underground lies the secret to the wealthiest and most impressive part of Soledar, Ukraine's unique city. This is a real mine, but it differs because the white gold here is mined – salt. At the dawn of human civilisation, the salt-shoe business was born because of the body's natural need for salt. Central Africa was a place where they equally valued salt and gold until the 19th century. A white miracle was an indicator of prosperity in Europe during the Middle Ages. Salt was sacred and valuable in ancient times.

Soledar small is situated on the place of shallow bay of ancient Permian sea which existed there 250 millions years ago. After the sea dried out, here appeared one of the purest salt deposit in the world and the biggest one in Europe.

Salt Mine Museum

Today, 95% of the salt mined by Ukraine comes from the Artyomovskoye, a deposit located in the southeast region of Donbas. A multi-kilometre underground mine system in Soledar is the result of salt mining. Although this mine is no longer in use, salt is still being extracted from its exterior walls. This was the Permian Sea around 280 million years ago. Now welcome to the "Salt King" kingdom, which is located three hundred metres below the surface!

Everything in the Soledar salt mine is made of salt. Sparkling crystals reflect artificial multicoloured lighting. In one of the mined-out areas, there is a church. It was founded immediately upon the opening. The church was built to keep workers happy and healthy because miners' work can be hazardous. You will discover a stunning chandelier that the miners made. It was decorated with salt crystals that were sometimes found in salt beds. These crystal cubes numbered approximately two hundred.

Soledar salt mine

The largest and most famous place in the mine is the tunnel. The ceiling height is approximately 30 metres high, while the tunnel's width is nearly a kilometre in length. The hall will have classical music and sounds from wildlife. The lighting is dim and creates the illusion that you are far away in space. It's wonderful! This area has cool, dry, and salty air. It is a place of incredible silence.

The Soledar mining site also has a spa. There is no typical noise from working mines. Furthermore, there is no trolley or conveyor. This underground location is more like an idyllic town, complete with palm trees and mysterious salt figures. There are also lounges.

Salt Mining

Rock salt is a wonderful material for sculptors. Miners often use these salts to carve slopes. They are used to create fantastic salt animals and heroes. Furthermore, salt lamps are attractive. The temperature affects how the plafond infuses the air. In miniature, it provides the sensation of being underground. They are used to treat asthmatic conditions.

The Soledar mine's acoustics are the real miracle. This is where the International Festival of Symphonic Music takes place, organised by the Austrian Embassy. The orchestra's sound suggests that the notes seem like they are floating up and then falling slowly like a cloud.

First photo credit: Lenelenka