The Salt Mine just south of Krakow is also a main attraction for visitors to Krakow, and while it didn't have the same emotional significance as Auschwitz, it was definitely a must see. Just don't ask me to pronounce the name...I tried for a good 30 minutes, it's never going to happen for me.
The mine produced table salt from the 13th century until 2007 and was one of the world's oldest operating salt mines. It's also believed to be the world's 14th oldest company! Not too shabby! Although the 54 story walk down the mine stairs was almost a deal breaker for me, it was worth it! Almost everything in the mine was made out of salt, walls/floors/ceilings/sculptures/etc -- our guide said that it was perfectly fine to lick the walls to see for ourselves, but I had to take a pass on that one, I definitely believed him.
One of the best parts of the salt mine though was a huge chapel right in the middle of it. Our guide told us that it was a very popular place for weddings, and immediately after all the girls (myself included) said in unison "time to find a Polish guy to marry so we have an excuse to get married here as well!" To our surprise, even some of the guys were saying the same thing!
