Trekking and caving in Transylvania

This photo blog is intended for all who are interested in hiking, trekking and caving in Transylvania. You don't have to live here. Even if you will probably never hike in Transylvania, you are welcome to read my trip reports and enjoy the photos. We do have some fantastic places here in Transylvania, high mountains, canyons, waterfalls and around 12,000 caves. So, check back frecvently, as updates happen very often.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Turda Salt Mine

Turda Salt Mine is one of the most important salt mines in Transylvania, one of the largest in Europe. Turda's salt deposit was put into systematic operation of the deposit, by underground mining work, during the Roman conquest. It ceased activity in 1932, to be used as an anti-air
craft shelter during the Second World War.

The salt was extracted as clods, which were then cut by specialist workers. The mines were lit by candles and tallow rush lights. Explosives were never used for exploitation, nor mechanical equipment for cutting the salt.



Salt was exploited in rooms of 17-34m (56-112 feet) depth and 10-12m (33-39 feet) width, disposed one near the other and separated by a safety consolidation. The salt mine with its impressive galleries, long tunnels and mining system, great accoustics and very healthy microclimate is well worth a visit.
Turda Salt Mine
Peter