A monument to Fryderyk Chopin has been unveiled in the historic salt mine in Wieliczka near Krakow, southern Poland.

Made of patinated bronze and measuring about two metres, it is the work of the prominent sculptor  Bronislaw Chromy. It stands on a plinth made of salt, which bears the composer’s name and the date of his visit to the Wieliczka mine.

Chopin made a tour of the mine on 24 July 1829, en route from Warsaw to Vienna. During a week-long break in his journey, the then nineteen year-old composer, accompanied by a group of friends, also toured the historic sites of Krakow and nearby Ojcow. The Wieliczka visitors’ book contains Chopin’s autograph.

Founded in the 13th century, the Wieliczka mine produced table salt until 2007. Its 3.5 kilometre underground route is one of Poland’s major tourist attractions. In 1978 the Wieliczka salt mine was included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. (mk/jb)