Żupny Castle

The Museum of Kraków Saltworks, located in the Saltworks Castle in Wieliczka, boasts one of the most valuable salt cellar collections in the world, comprising over 1,000 objects amassed since 1973. The collection features salt cellars made from various materials such as gold, silver, porcelain, and mother-of-pearl, with styles ranging from Gothic to Art Deco. Notable pieces include a unique agate salt cellar from around 1500 and a spice service from 1760. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of an earlier saltworks, the Saltworks Castle is an architectural complex consisting of three main buildings showcasing diverse styles, from Gothic to 19th-century Neo-Gothic. The castle served not only as the administrative center for the salt mines but also as a meeting place for kings, each of whom contributed to the development of the Wieliczka saltworks. The castle suffered significant damage from fires and wars, with the most severe losses occurring in 1945. After a comprehensive renovation completed in 1992, it now functions as a museum featuring archaeological exhibitions and hosts cultural events such as the Summer Music Festival and the Salt Festival. Visitors can explore historical elements, including sections of the 13th-century defensive walls. An interesting historical note is that the castle once housed the "żupna" kitchen, the first communal dining facility in Poland, where miners and others received free meals. On June 23, 2013, the castle was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.