Discover the history of the Oldest Salt Mine
in Poland

The origins of the Bochnia mine as a mining enterprise date back to 1248, when an underground rock salt deposit was discovered. At the time, the mine operated as a royal enterprise and played a significant role in the monarchy’s economy, generating substantial revenue for the royal treasury.

In 1368, King Casimir the Great issued the so-called Saltworks Statute—a document regulating the organization of saltworks and the principles of salt trade. This statute defined the administrative structure of the mine, the responsibilities of its workers, and the mechanisms for supervision and salt distribution. It was one of the most important legal acts governing the operation of the salt industry in medieval Poland.

This document not only organized the functioning of the mine but also emphasized its strategic importance to the state, laying the foundation for the further development of the Bochnia saltworks.

The oldest mining shafts in Bochnia are the Sutoris and Gazaris shafts. Sutoris Shaft, located in the central part of the town, is considered one of the first extraction sites. Its name derives from the Latin word for “shoemaker”—according to legend, it was at this very spot that Saint Kinga found her ring, which she had thrown into the mine in Marmaros. This legend continues to captivate visitors and is an important part of local tradition.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the mine experienced dynamic growth. New shafts were established, including Regis, Bochneris, and Campi, which significantly expanded the mine’s extraction capabilities. The increase in salt production and the development of technical infrastructure reflected the growing importance of the Bochnia mine compared to other mining centers in Europe.

However, in the 17th century, due to numerous wars and a deepening economic crisis, the mine’s development came to a halt. A decrease in salt demand and a difficult political and economic situation led to a decline in production and reduced investment.

For centuries, the Bochnia Salt Mine has been the greatest treasure of the Bochnia region. Thanks to the rich local salt deposits, the town of Bochnia became one of the most important economic centers of medieval Lesser Poland. The salt industry attracted settlers, merchants, and craftsmen, fostering the development of local trade and infrastructure.

Over the following centuries, the mine had a profound impact on shaping the town’s urban layout, the growth of entrepreneurship and industry, as well as the daily lives of its residents. It served as a source of employment and a hub for economic and social initiatives. The mine’s presence helped shape the region’s identity, and today it remains a symbol of Lesser Poland’s cultural heritage.

Currently, the mine operates as a modern center that combines tradition with innovative solutions. Since the 1990s, it has been engaged in tourism, welcoming nearly 170,000 visitors annually—a number that continues to grow. Tourists can explore both the tourist route and the historical route. The Bochnia mine stands out among other sites of its kind in Poland, being the only one to offer an underground boat crossing. Due to its unique historical and cultural value, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013.