PRAID SALT MINE, ROMANIA
Artline
06_Praid_Salt_Mine__Romania_26315.html
Feb 16 2009
Romania
>From the west, Praid is the gateway of Harghita County. Here the
valley narrows more and the mountains are closer. The landscape is
a real paradise for those who do not limit only to sightsee from cars.
Praid is the biggest villages of Harghita. In Praid village live
around 7250 people. In the center of this settlement there is the
crossroads that can go to north, over Bucin step in Gheorgheni and
to southeasterly by Corund in Odorheiu Secuiesc.
Praid settlement is relatively young, it is attested since 1564. Mines
(the Upper and Lower) are attested since 1493.
Praid is closely related to salt and all that binds it. But explanation
that only salt is the reason for foundation of the village can
be a mistake. If we consider the number of employees at the mine,
until the years 1958, it reached a hundred and from Praid were only
10-15%. Worked at the mine more than those from Ocna de Jos and who
had ownership of the mine.
But many more locals working in wood exploitation and processing. In
addition, the inhabitants of Praid growing animals and work land. Since
the last century have been established here many foreigns. Until
to 1944, local Jews were catalyst of commercial life. Armenians
descendants have disappeared only in the recent past of Praid.
We can say that who once rested here enjoyed the beauty of nature
and the hospitality of the locals – was enriched with memories for
a lifetime. Return here can be a joy for life.
In Praid there is a salt water strand and hot water in vanes for a
calming effect, relaxing physically and mentally.
In salt mine, at a depth of 100 m from srface, there is a Wines
Gallery with 275 kinds of wine from 6 European countries.
The charm of rural tourism has found a good representation in
Praid; you can find here hospitality hosts and a preserved natural
environment.