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For a long time, this brine source made the area famous because of the dissolution of the underground salt deposits by groundwater. The brine here has been used to produce salt since the 16th century. The brine was boiled to evaporate the water in pans over wood fires. However, this led to large-scale deforestation in the southern area of Soledar. In the 18th century, wood was replaced by coal, but salt production remained low. It wasn't until the late 19th century that more underground salt deposits were discovered, and industrial-scale mining began for the first time in 1881.
Over a hundred years of mining left a vast void, connected to form a 300-meter-long corridor beneath the expansive surface. Within it was a large chamber designed as a concert hall, a chamber for a football match, an underground church for the miners, a café for tourists, and walls adorned with numerous sculptures and reliefs. Part of the cave was converted into a sanatorium, its cool, dry air containing a small amount of salt dust believed to be effective in treatment. The location was also recommended for patients seeking treatment for respiratory illnesses, allergies, and skin conditions.
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Photo: Oleg Tosky
Ngoc Anh (According to AmusingPlanet)
