Salina Turda is a must-add destination to any travel itinerary through Romania, despite its distance from the usual travel points of this country. Visiting the salt mine will completely change your perception of Romania, and inspire your friends to explore this unusual area as well. Salina Turda is a place you would not expect to see in Romania, with its traditional houses, churches, castles, or communist heritage. Such incredible attractions do not exist even in those countries where landscape and industrial design are at the highest level. Believe me, all the challenges of getting to Turda will be richly rewarded by the impressions you will have there. Turda is the most famous salt deposit in Romania, known as Salina Turda. Salt was extracted in these places since the Roman Empire, although it was collected from the surface at that time. The work was interrupted and resumed several times, as salt extraction had major strategic importance in ancient times. Active salt extraction here ended after the mine's equipment became very outdated in 1932. During the war, the mine was used as a shelter, and in 1992 this place became a tourist attraction. The mine became a full-fledged attraction in 2010 when its interior was equipped and turned into an entertainment center with a boat station where you can rent a boat and ride on the underground lakes, a Ferris wheel, and even mini-golf. There is also a wellness center with spa treatments. All of these are surprisingly and unusually combined with salt-covered walls. Today, it is hard to believe that everything done here was made by human hands. Inside, the mine looks like you have entered a surreal fantasy world where ancient history and modern art objects merge. The mine has two entrances: a new one and an old one. The parking lot is at the new entrance, and the old entrance is convenient for those who arrive by bus or dared to walk from the city of Turda. Also, keep in mind that if you enter through the old entrance, you will have to walk a long way through the tunnel to the attractions. No matter how warm it is outside, bring warm clothes. The temperature in the mine does not exceed 11-12 degrees. Avoid shorts and sandals – you will be cold. Allow at least three hours for visiting, photography, and entertainment. For selfie lovers and those who want to immediately post their photos on social media, Turda will surprise you with Wi-Fi. So, you can instantly send photos and videos to make your friends envious. What you can see in the mine: Franz Josef Gallery: This road for transporting salt to the surface reached a length of 917 meters by the end of the 19th century, with an underground length of 526 meters. After the cessation of salt extraction in the second half of the last century, cheese was stored here. Echo Mine "Iosif": With a depth of 112 meters, it offers an exceptional echo due to the lack of connection with other mines. "Crivac" Room: An octagonal room used for vertical transportation of materials from the "Rudolf" mine. Here you can see a unique preserved salt lifting machine. Salt extraction area: In this space, there is a mine through which salt blocks were transported from the "Rudolf" mine to the transport gallery. The technologies and process of salt extraction are presented here on a 1:20 scale. "Rudolf" Mine: With a depth of 42 meters, this is the last well where salt was extracted in the "Salina Turda" cave. You can descend by a staircase of 172 steps or by a panoramic lift. On one side of the mine, stalactites have formed, breaking off at a height of about 3 meters. The deepest well of the mine: With a diameter of 72 m and a depth of 102 m. "Tereza" Mine: Shaped like a cone or bell, it has a depth of 120 meters. Here you can see a salt cascade, a lake, and salt stalactites. The depth of the underground lake varies from 0.5 to 8 meters. In the center of the lake, a salt waste island has formed, reaching a height of 5 meters. You can reach the island by renting a boat. Anthony" Mine: Not connected to other mines of the "Salina Turda" salt cave. It has a depth of 108 meters, and salt extraction here ceased in 1862. Plan your excursions around Turda because you can spend a whole day visiting the mine and its surroundings. It is recommended to combine visiting the mine with trips to the Turda Gorge, Rimetea village, and Alba Carolina Citadel in the former capital Alba Iulia. This will add special emotions to your day.