Cultural Events in Salt Mines

Beautiful salt mines in Romania play host to cultural events.

Corina Sabău, 15.02.2013, 17:40

Though it was opened for the public as late as September 2009, the Ocnele Mari salt mine in Valcea County, Southern Romania, has already become one of the most important and most visited such places in this country. Stretching across 25 thousand square meters, the salt mine has playgrounds for children, souvenir shops, a cinema hall, a mini basketball ground and a carting track; and, most importantly, the Ocnele Mari salt mine is home to the biggest underground church in Romania, as well as to a salt museum. Rodica Tanasie, the head of the Ocnele Mari Tourist Office, tells us more about the church:

“ The history of this church started when the mine became a tourist attraction in September 2009. The church is the biggest underground Christian Orthodox church. Its patron saints are George and Varvara, the latter being known as the protector of miners, architects and constructors. The church was fitted and equipped by the Ramnicu Valcea Mine and the parish priest. Since 2009, many events have been organized here. For instance, in 2011 the holy relics of Saint Varvara were brought here from Greece. A two day pilgrimage was also held on the occasion. We have organized several religious music concerts as well, one of them given by the well-known clarinet player Felix Goldbach and the St. Antim Ivireanu Choir of the Archbishopric Cathedral.

Because of the excellent state of the mine galleries and equipment, which have been preserved ever since the mine was closed, the Turda salt mine has turned into a genuine museum. So, today the place is an attraction for many of those who visit Turda, in Cluj County, central Romania. Salt drilling in the Turda mine, opened in the 17thcentury, meant a lot for the town’s development. When the mine became a tourist attraction, visitors were surprised to see there a treatment facility, sports grounds and an amphitheatre. And, ever since, many events have been held there. Felicia Raceanu, the director of the Turda House of Culture tells us about the events that are going to take place from now on:

“ The agenda of events is quite full this year. The Turda House of Culture organizes these events in conjunction with the salt mine and with other institutions, for the activities held there to be as attractive as possible to tourists. During the Turda Cultural Spring, which starts in March, we will have an Arts Day, held in the mine. Also, there will be a music show with children and youth bands from the town. For Easter we will stage a special exhibition. This summer there will be two camps, one organized by the House of Culture in partnership with the Turda Filarmonia Cultural Society, and another one in partnership with the Tudor Jarda People’s Arts School in Cluj. We are also happy that the Culture without Borders Society has announced its participation in our programs. Last year, the artists who exhibited in the salt mine enjoyed a big success.”

Last year, the Turda Salt Mine played host to an unusual show, given by Silence Teatro from Italy, at the 5thInternational Experimental Film Festival MAN.in.FEST, organized by the Imposibil Theatre Association. The 2012 edition brought together well-known artists from 6 countries, and the event was unusual for the very use of unconventional venues, such as the Turda salt mine.