The rock-salt mine (Salina)

There were two foreign travellers, such as Marco Bandini, in 1646 and Evlia Celebi in 1659 to give the testimony , in their travel reports, of the existence of the salt mine at the feet of a mountain.

Historians have nevertheless reason to say that the salt mine existed already before 1453, relying on a document dated 1502 when, during Stephen the Great’s reign, the right at the annual salt supply was renewed in favour of the Putna monastery.

The mine has the following physical characteristics:

- Constant temperature of 12-13 °C.

- Humidity in winter:  70-80% ; in summer 90-98%.

Inside there is a natural sodic ionization process, with bronchia dilator and anti-inflammatory effects, curing the respiratory diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma and  sinusitis.

Persons with a heart disease shouldn’t follow cure programmes inside the mine, they may instead visit it.

Photo: Insight of the salt mine

The white gold (the salt) hidden in the heart of the massifs Nemira and Berzunti completes the range of possible cures to take once in Targu Ocna.

The nowadays modern and renowned Sanatorium corresponds to one of the old galleries of the Salina mine. It is situated at 130 m deep inside the mine.

A complete list of treatments should also include the cures for the digestive canal and peripheral glands, cholecystitis, lithiasis, biliary affections, chronic hepatitis, affections of the peripheral nervous system, post trauma, gynaecological affections, neurasthenia.

Photo: Gymnastics and inhalations inside the mine

The sanatorium is used all year long.

Besides the rest beds in the rooms carved in salt, there are also some playground and entertainment areas,  a sports room, a screen for film watching, a medical point and a physical education teacher.

In the deep subterranean there is the Santa Varvara church, protector of the miners.

It was carved in salt and is placed 240 m deep.

Religious service is regularly done.

Photo: Santa Varvara subterranean church  

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