Saltworks Castle In Wieliczka

A short walk from the Regis and Daniłowicz Shafts, the Castle was the seat of the Cracow Saltworks for 700 years—the place used to govern the mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia, saltworks, workshops, and warehouses. The visit to the Castle will take about one hour.

Central Castle

After a pleasant walk down an alley full of greenery, you'll see the white body of the castle. You can enter the castle grounds either through a small gate hidden in the southern wall, or the main gate from the east. When you go into the yard, you will see the Central Castle, formerly called "The House Amidst the Salt Mine." The oldest building of the complex was erected at the turn of the 14th century, next to the first Wieliczka mine shafts. Over the centuries, it was expanded and partially destroyed—in the 16th century consumed by a fire, and in 1945 a stray Soviet bomb fell on it.

The original cellars feature an archaeological exhibit, presenting the history of settlement in this area from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. On the upper floor, there is an exhibit devoted to the history of Wieliczka. The Gothic Hall—with its walls decorated with portraits of proud saltworks managers—held courts and entertained kings.

A large exhibit of salt dispensers, titled "Salt Cellars—Tiny Masterpieces" is the largest collection of these decorative functional objects in Poland, and perhaps the world. It features elaborate and simple salt cellars from around the world—made of silver and gold-plated silver, porcelain, nacre, bone, glass, or stone—the oldest of which are over 400 years old. It highlights the value and importance of salt through the ages, around the world.

North Castle

Construction of the North Castle—the former Saltworks House—began in the 15th century. It housed a chapel, cashiers' offices, saltworks archives, library, and apartments for officials. Here, miners were given tools, tallow for oil lamps, and were paid their salaries. This is where salt from the mine was distributed, and where the first Wieliczka Mining School opened in 1861. Currently, the Saltworks Museum has its seat here (management offices, research laboratories, archives, and library) and is closed for visitors. Soon, it will be incorporated into the museum, and house permanent and temporary exhibitions.

The castle courtyard is surrounded by original stone walls from the 14th century. Here, you can enter the only preserved tower in Wieliczka (a former prison) and go underground to see the oldest Wieliczka shaft from the mid-13th century, discovered only 50 years ago.

South Castle

The southern side of the courtyard is enclosed by the South Castle, built in the 19th century, and behind it lies an Italian-style garden, planted as early as the 16th century. The Royal Restaurant is situated here—a great place to eat and relax and enjoy the view of the Saltworks Castle.