There is evidence that salt was mined from here beginning in 1271. Operations ceased in 1932.
There are 2 entrances to the Salina. We went to the older, smaller one, which is a longer walk to the main chamber. It's located at Salinelor St. No.54b. There's a small parking lot and no one was there to collect a parking fee.
The main entrance is on Aleea Durgaului. This is a modern steel and glass building able to accommodate large tour buses. There is a huge parking lot and reportedly it costs 4 lei/hour to park.
I prefer the smaller entrance--it's more atmospheric.
After paying your admission fee of 40 lei ($9.35), walk through the long tunnel to reach the mines.
There are many exhibits of mining equipment. This crivac was used to lift salt to the surface.
Salt-transport carts on display
There is a chapel within the salt mine.
There are 4 mines--Joseph, Rudolph, Theresa and Antony. Most visit only the first 3 mines. The mines are nearly 400 feet deep.
Salt stalactites.
The base of one of the mines has been converted to an amusement park. Either wait in line to take the elevator or wait in line to climb the stairs to reach the amusement park. The stairs can get congested but it's still faster than the elevator.
You can ride the ferris wheel, play mini golf or badminton, bowl, play pool or ping pong, all for a nominal fee.
Descend the Theresa mine to find an underground lake. In the center of the lake is an island made of salt deposits. For some reason, this reminded me of a James Bond movie. It just seemed like a perfect place to hide while radioactive missiles are launched.
You can rent rowboats and paddle around the lake. It varies from 1.6 to 26.2 feet deep.
The Salina Turda also has facilities for medical treatments. The salt baths are apparently beneficial for allergies, certain respiratory conditions and certain skin conditions.
2019 09 22
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