Originally published at Churchpop
More than 300 feet underground in the Wieliczka Mines in Poland lies the Chapel of St. Kinga, the largest underground church in the world.
This amazing construction made entirely of salt welcomes visitors from all over the world.
Officially opened in the 13th century, the Wieliczka Mines in Krakow reach a depth of over 1,000 feet. The underground network comprises over 150 miles of galleries, spread over nine levels. This labyrinth of salt is so large that only two percent of its dimensions can be explored.
Visitors to this World Heritage Site can see the chapels carved into the salt rock, which allowed miners to practice their faith while working.
Catholic News Agency says:
“Since miners typically worked under dangerous circumstances in the dark, away from their families, they created the chapels as places where they could pray and celebrate Mass before facing the challenges of the job.”Saint Kinga’s Chapel
The most important church in this mine is the Chapel of Saint Kinga, a church located 331 feet underground.
This 40-foot-high temple is decorated with bas-relief images of scenes from Jesus’ life, such as the Wedding at Cana, the Nativity, and the Last Supper, which took more than 70 years to carve.
Carved in St. Kinga’s Chapel. Credit:
