New book ‘102 Things to Do with a Hole in the Ground‘ spotlights global reclamation projects
Stories of reinvented coal mining regions, regenerated communities and rebuilt ecosystems are told in a new book published this month.
Illuminated structures inside the mine. Image by bortescristian | Flickr.
Following what it seems to be a growing trend of turning old mines into touristic attractions, a defunct salt mine in the Romanian region of Transylvania has opened as an underground amusement park, history museum and spa.
After operating as a mine since the Roman Empire times until 1932, the former Turda Salt Mine (or Salina Turda) closed down to reopen for tourists in 1992.
Minigolf. Image by bortescristian | Flickr.
It now looks like something from out of space.
Image by Camelia TWU | Flickr.
Offering a unique climate, the mine is free of allergens and bacteria, which makes it idea for sufferers of hay fever or asthma. At 80% humidity it maintains a steady temperature of 11 to 12 degrees Celsius.
Vertical shafts take you deep into the mine. Image by bortescristian|Flickr.
Its current attractions include a Ferris wheel, billiard tables, a mini-golf course, ping-pong, a bowling alley, and an underground lake with paddleboats.
Image by bortescristian | Flickr.
It also holds a180-seat amphitheater to host the occasional concert.
Image by Keepwaddling1|Flickr.
To offset the darkness, bright lights hang vertically on strings from the 50-metre ceiling, illuminating dripping stalactites with a blue-tinged glow.
Image by bortescristian | Flickr.
As the complex has grown in popularity over the last 20 years, Salina Turda has recently announced it will extend operations hours and schedule regular guided visits, begining August 15.
