3Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland
While not entirely a city in the traditional sense, the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Kraków, Poland, is an underground world that’s as close to a subterranean city as one can get. Operating since the 13th century, the mine is one of the oldest and most well-preserved salt mines in the world. Over the centuries, it has expanded into an intricate network of tunnels, chambers, and galleries that stretch for over 287 kilometers (178 miles), reaching depths of up to 327 meters (1,073 feet).
The mine has been home to numerous salt miners, and it even contains chapels, underground lakes, and a museum that showcases its long history. One of the most famous sites within the mine is the Chapel of St. Kinga, a beautiful underground church with salt-carved altars, chandeliers, and statues. The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978, and visitors can tour the tunnels and rooms, experiencing life in this subterranean world. The mine has been recognized for its historical significance and remarkable design, serving not just as a functional space, but as a work of art.
