Ocnele Mari Salt Mine is a tourist attraction in Vâlcea County and is located in a town of the same name. It is located 8 km from Râmnicu Vâlcea, in a picturesque area, with other spas (Căciulata, Olănești, Călimănești) and having religious tourism (Cozia monastery).
Ocnele Mari is a city in Vâlcea County, Romania, with a population of 3,309 inhabitants. It is one of the oldest settlements in the Oltenia area, is known for its salt deposit. Traces of a Neolithic settlement have been found on the city’s surface: axes, spearheads, knives, or vessels made of burnt clay.
Ocnele Mari Salt Mine – a short history
The exploitation of salt in the Ocnele Mari Salt Mine, according to research in Cosota, dates back thousands of years. During the time of Mircea, the Elder, the exploitation of the salt deposit was carried out by the enslaved gypsies, called “ciocănași”. It is recorded in history that in these places was the Buridava tribal center, mentioned in the writings of the historian Ptolemy. The first mine holes were dug in Cărpiniș. They collapse, and the Din Brazi lake is formed. Attempts are made to dig other mouths, but they, in turn, collapse, creating the Red Pond. Over time, the mines of St. John the Old, St. John the New and Paul appear.
Extracting salt from the mine was a difficult and challenging process. The salt taken from the massif was transported to the central well with wheelbarrows or in the back. From here, it was loaded into the slingshots of the “crivac” with the help of which it was brought to the surface. The installation dates back to the Middle Ages and was preserved until 1894 when it was replaced by an elevator, which operated with the help of a steam engine. Accidents in the mine were quite common, as the descent into the mine was made on rope ladders placed along with the extraction well. In 1957 the mine was closed due to landslides.
Nowadays, the salt extracted from the Ocnele Mari Salt Mine is used and sent in concentrated brine for the technological processes at the Râmnicu Vâlcea Chemical Plant. Thus the salt deposit acquires great valences.
Ocnele Mari Salt Mine – a relaxing tourist attraction
Ocnele Mari Salt Mine is a tourist attraction visited by thousands of people annually. This tourist base has been transformed into a tourist area since 2009. The tourist part of the Ocnele Mari Salt Mine, which covers an area of 20,000 m2, has a church, a museum, restaurant, souvenir shops, football fields, places to play for children. Thus, if you are thinking of visiting this tourist attraction in Râmnicu Vâlcea you have at your disposal various physical activities through which to spend your time. Public events can also be held inside the salt mine, with a large hall for festivities. Those who want to have a little peace, can retire to the church dedicated to Saint Varvara and Saint George.
The park area is arranged at 225 meters above sea level. The length of the salt mine gallery is 1300 m. The indoor temperature is between 13 and 15 degrees Celsius. Thus, Ocnele Mari Salt Mine is ideal for relaxation, leisure, and treatment.
How to get to Ocnele Mari Salt Mine
The town of Ocnele Mari is located about 8 km from Râmnicu Vâlcea. Ocnele Mari can be reached using the road DN67 (Copăcelu street of Râmnicu Vâlcea municipality) and Alexandru Ioan Cuza street of the city that intersects with it.
Hotel Simfonia, located in Râmnicu-Vâlcea, is the ideal accommodation when traveling in the Vâlcea area. It is a pleasant, welcoming place where the harmonious combination of luxury, comfort, and elegance will delight the hearts of those it hosts. If you want to visit Salina Ocnele Mari, Hotel Simfonis offers you the ideal accommodation, where you will have a dream stay.
In Râmnicu Vâlcea you will have the opportunity to relax, but also to visit various tourist attractions. You can make day trips if you are on the weekend stay in Râmnicu Vâlcea.
