In Romania, one of the most popular tourist spots is the salt mine of Turda. Not only is the site breathtaking, but it is also a place where lots of people seek health therapy.
The salt mine attracts many visitors from all over the world. People from the United States, Mexico and Japan are known to have visited the place. A well-known British photographer, Richard John Seymour took some beautiful photos in the inside of the mine and one of these photos was published on the CNN website and displayed in a London gallery.
The mine dates back to the Roman times. Between 2008 and 2010 it has been renewed and opened for tourists. One of its unique features is a lake down inside the mine, so the mine can offer the unusual experience of an underground boat ride.
The mine has four sections:
- The Rudolph shaft, featuring a panoramic elevator, a concert hall, a sports field, a mini soccer field, a golf course and a gondola
- The Gisela shaft is for those who come here to seek relief from an illness
- The Theresia shaft is bell-shaped, and it contains a saltwater fall
- The Antal shaft is an isolated area
The medicinal effects of the air in the mine
Persons who suffer from skin or respiratory diseases such as asthma, allergies and catarrh as well as a weak immune system are advised to visit the mine regularly, as the salty air has very good effect on the named illnesses. Also, respiratory illnesses caused by allergies and inflammation can be cured very efficiently here.
On the other hand, visiting the mine is not recommended for the following:
- Children under three years of age and persons over 65 years of age
- Persons who suffer from severe asthma or major respiratory difficulties
- People suffering from tuberculosis or lung cancer
- Persons struggling with heart or cardiovascular problems
- Persons suffering from high blood pressure
- Persons suffering from severe depression and claustrophobia
- In case of diseases of the peripheral and central nervous system
- One or two months after surgery
The mine is open between April and November seven days a week, between 9 and 2 p.m., and from July 1st the mine can be visited until 4 p.m. A successful cure for adults lasts for 14–18 days the most, and children can visit the mine for a maximum of 7 to 10 days. It is recommended to dress warm, as the temperature in the mine is around 12 °C.
The entrance fee is 20 RON (about 4 Euro) for adults, 12 RON for retired persons and 10 RON for children and students.