The opening of the Wieliczka Salt Mine as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978
This historic salt mine located in the town of Wieliczka, Poland, has been in operation since the 13th century and is one of the oldest salt mines in the world. In 1978, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the first mining site to be included
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are places of importance to cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972. Cultural heritage consists of monuments, groups of buildings, and sites. Natural heritage consists of natural features, geological and physiographical formations, and natural sites which are important from the point of view of science, conservation, or natural beauty. Poland ratified the convention on 29 June 1976, making its historical sites eligible for inclusion on the list.