There are only two Salt Cathedrals in the world—so apparently I have now seen half of them!
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá had humble beginnings. Originally the miners placed religious statutes in rocks as places to pray for their safety. The more extravagant and updated cathedral we saw today was designed by architects and is considered one of the wonders of Colombia. We travelled 200m under ground to see the cross above the main alter which is over 15 m high. Yes, I did touch the walls and lick my fingers. And, yes, it was salty. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
21 Comments
Ally, hunter, Sam Mr.s
3/5/2018 08:52:41 am
How is a salt cathedral made?
Reply
Ray Homewood
3/5/2018 06:14:21 pm
Underground there are huge deposits of Halite commonly known as rock salt. Parts of the mine had been started by the muisca people and is still an active mine today. The enlarges parts of the mine tunnels to make the church. The miners used drills and dynamite.
Reply
ME
3/5/2018 08:52:48 am
What is a salt cathedral?
Reply
Ray Homewood
3/5/2018 06:15:19 pm
It is a Catholic church built inside a salt mine.
Reply
Owen jack
3/5/2018 08:52:54 am
Why was it made of salt?
Reply
Ray Homewood
3/5/2018 06:17:36 pm
The mountain where the mine is was at the bottom of a shallow sea millions of users ago. Salt was deposited from the ocean and with time it was pressed into Halite rock and pushed up into a mountain.
Reply
Ray Homewood
3/5/2018 06:37:46 pm
Oops... millions of years ago.
Parker Austin mr.s
3/5/2018 08:54:06 am
Is that a cave
Reply
Ray Homewood
3/5/2018 06:18:45 pm
It is like a cave, but it is man made.
Reply
Haley Luke James
3/5/2018 08:55:17 am
What is the salt cathedral for?
Reply
Ray Homewood
3/5/2018 06:20:49 pm
The very first little chapels were made so the miners could say a prayer asking for safety while working down in the mine. The larger cathedral holds services every Sunday. It is also a tourist attraction.
Reply
Carmen, Brooklyn and Eden
3/5/2018 08:55:28 am
Is the statue of a specific person?
Reply
Ray Homewood
3/5/2018 06:25:30 pm
It represents the Angel Gabriel.
Reply
Xander,Laurel,Carter
3/5/2018 08:56:11 am
Where is the other cathedral
Reply
Ray Homewood
3/5/2018 06:27:16 pm
The others salt cathedral is in the Wieliczka Salt Mine, in Poland.
Reply
Carter Mr.S
3/5/2018 08:56:57 am
How much salt did they mine?
Reply
Ray Homewood
3/5/2018 06:32:29 pm
An estimate is that there are 1 million cubic meters of salt still in the mine. They currently extract 60 tonnes per week, most of which is for industrial use.
Reply
Drew
3/5/2018 09:01:49 am
What was the path down to the cathedral like??
Reply
Ray Homewood
3/5/2018 06:35:19 pm
The tunnels are wide enough for about 5 people across and I never had to duck so the height would be about 2.5 meters. Only the first part of the tunnel had beams holding it up since the moist outside air weakens the rock salt (Halite).
Reply
Mrs. PB's class
3/7/2018 07:16:15 am
How did they get the statues in there? What are the statues and cross made from? Are there more statues than the angel?
Reply
Ray Homewood
3/7/2018 04:17:51 pm
The statues were made of granite, and were part of the first salt cathedral built in the 1950's. When that structure was declared unsafe they were moved to the new cathedral. The cross is actually made of air, with the rock having been cut away and then lights used to give the effect of it being solid. The lights also give the colours to the walls.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Details
Ray & Diane
|