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Discover St. Kinga's Chapel at the Wieliczka Salt Mine
Wieliczka Salt Mine TicketsSt. Kinga's Chapel
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St. Kinga's Chapel is located within the historic Wieliczka Salt Mine, 101 meters underground. A place of stunning beauty, the chapel has impressive salt carvings, reliefs, and chandeliers sculpted by skilled salt miners. Functioning as an underground church, the chapel served as a sanctuary for miners seeking solace and divine intervention during their arduous work.
St. Kinga's Chapel | A quick overview
- Official name: St. Kinga's Chapel
- Location: The chapel is located inside the Wieliczka Salt Mine, near Krakow
- Address: Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland
- Timings: Open daily from 9 AM - 5 PM
- Named after: Saint Kinga of Poland
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1978
- Number of visitors per year: More than a million
St. Kinga’s Chapel highlights
Unique architecture
St. Kinga’s Chapel mesmerizes visitors with its combination of Gothic elements and detailed ornamentation. The salt-carved altars, bas-reliefs, and sculptures exemplify the stunning craftsmanship of the salt miners.
Salt sculptures
Pay special attention to the salt sculptures on your visit to St. Kinga’s Chapel. The walls are lined with remarkable sculptures crafted by miners-turned-artists. The sculptures depict scenes from biblical narratives and saints' lives.
Salt chandeliers
St. Kinga Chapel’s beauty and eerie lure are partly due to the chandeliers made entirely of salt crystals. They cast a warm, ethereal glow, painting a strange but magnetic image in your mind.
The "Last Supper" bas-relief
The "Last Supper" bas-relief in St. Kinga's Chapel mirrors Leonardo da Vinci's iconic work. It was crafted by the skilled miner-sculptor Antoni Wyrobek with reliefs depicting biblical tales like the wedding in Cana and the escape to Egypt.
Stunning altarpiece
The three-piece altar, a salt masterpiece by Józef Markowski, stands as the chapel's focal point. Since 1994, it has housed the relics of St. Kinga in its niche, and on its side parts, sculptures of saints such as St. Joseph and St. Clement are displayed.
Architecture of St. Kinga’s Chapel
The architecture of St. Kinga's Chapel reflects the miners’ deep connection with the salt mine; every element inside the chapel, including the walls and chandeliers, is crafted using salt. The altar, the chapel’s centerpiece, is also adorned with salt carvings of angels and saints. Standing at 12 meters in height, 18 meters in width, and spanning 54 meters in length, this space features a floor meticulously carved from a single salt mass.
Get entry into the St. Kinga's Chapel with Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets
Skip-the-Line Combo: Wieliczka Salt Mine + Schindler's Factory
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Combo (Save 10%): Krakow Card + Guided Tour of Wieliczka Salt Mine Tickets
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St. Kinga’s Chapel - the Creation Story
St. Kinga’s Chapel's mythical energy hits you in the face when you walk through it. Part of the reason could be its creation story. According to legend, when St. Kinga, the patroness of salt miners, arrived in Wieliczka, Poland, she tossed her engagement ring into a Hungarian salt mine as proof of her benevolence. Surprisingly, the ring traveled through underground passages and appeared in a lump of salt in Wieliczka. This event is commemorated in St. Kinga's Chapel and offers proof of its spiritual significance.
Frequently asked questions about St. Kinga’s Chapel inside Wieliczka Salt Mine
What is the St. Kinga’s Chapel?
St. Kinga's Chapel, located within the historic Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland, is an underground chapel with impressive salt carvings, reliefs, and chandeliers sculpted by skilled salt miners.
Why should I visit St. Kinga's Chapel?
-Architectural marvel: Marvel at the breathtaking altar and chandeliers crafted entirely from salt, creating an ethereal ambiance.
-Salt sculptures: Admire the stunning salt sculptures that narrate biblical stories and showcase the miners' artistic prowess.
-Chandeliers of salt crystals: See the chandeliers crafted from salt crystals, casting a warm and unique glow throughout the chapel.
Who built St. Kinga’s Chapel?
St. Kinga's Chapel was built by the miners working in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The miners were deeply spiritual and wanted to build a sanctuary of beauty and devotion in the depths of the earth.
What are the St. Kinga’s Chapel opening hours?
St. Kinga’s Chapel is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
What is the best time to visit St. Kinga’s Chapel?
Early morning is the best time to visit St. Kinga’s Chapel. The crowds are smaller, allowing you to explore the chapel in peace.
Where is St. Kinga’s Chapel?
St. Kinga's Chapel is located within the historic Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland. The exact address is Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland.
Are there dining options available at St. Kinga’s Chapel?
There are no dining options at St. Kinga’s Chapel. However, when you book the chapel for an event, you will be provided with the chapel’s own catering service. They prepare the food inside the mine.
Is photography allowed at St. Kinga’s Chapel?
Yes, photography is allowed at St. Kinga’s Chapel.
