The Salina Turda Salt Mine, Romania

Salina Turda was a massive salt mine in Turda, Romania. covering an area of 45 square kilometers. Its origins date back to the 17th century and it was a working mine up until 1932. After its closing in 1932 the salt mine was forgotten until the second World War, when it was reopened and used as an antiaircraft shelter. Up to the year 1992 when the salt mine was opened to the public as a touristic site, the first 500 metres of the Franz Joseph conveyance gallery had been used for quite a long time as a warehouse for cheese storage.

The Turda Salt Mine is today a History Museum of Salt Exploitation. The excellent condition of the mining compartments and the equipment used for salt transportation , as well as the care with which the mine was prepared for tourism, have turned it into a place of mingled history and legend. The ever higher number of tourists coming here from most various parts of the world to visit the mine are a confirmation of its historical and touristic value. The Salina Turda Mine features a museum, event space, walking tours and random activities like pool, table tennis and even boat rides.

The interior maintains a steady 11-12 degrees celsius and 80 percent humidity, completely devoid of any allergens and an almost absence of any bacteria, making the unique micro-climate a destination for those suffering from allergic respiratory diseases.

Photography by Ana Maria Catalina and Cristian Bortes

Reblogged from http://twistedsifter.com