Treasures hidden underground – a new philatelic issue of Poland and Croatia
On Thursday, December 2nd, Poczta Polska is introducing two new stamps from the "Treasures of the Earth" issue, each featuring the theme of salt. A limited edition of 120,000 each is available. This new philatelic publication is a joint initiative of Poczta Polska and the Croatian Post.
The author of the designs of both stamps is the visual artist Marzanna Dąbrowska, and the two salt mines depicted on them – the Salt Mine in Bochnia and Solana Ston in Croatia – are some of the oldest sources of this natural resource on the old continent.
The Bochnia Salt Mine stamp depicts crystals of rock salt extracted from the earth. The Bochnia Salt Mine is the oldest rock salt mine in Poland, operating continuously since 1248, and the greatest treasure of the Bochnia region, thanks to its salt deposits, which gave rise to one of the most important economic centers of medieval Małopolska. Today, the Bochnia Salt Mine is one of the region's largest tourist destinations. Visitors to the mine can travel along the Tourist Route leading from Augustus Level IV to Sienkiewicz Level VI. A unique attraction of the Bochnia Salt Mine is the Underground Multimedia Exhibition. The unique atmosphere of the austere, yet authentic, underground spaces seems to transport visitors to centuries past. A tour of the mine is a journey through time, beginning in the times of Prince Bolesław the Chaste and Princess Kinga. Visitors explore the route on foot, and part of the route can be covered by tourist train or boat. During the tour, tourists can admire the austere beauty of the salt cave. The greatest treasure of the Bochnia salt mine is its unique, healing microclimate. It possesses healing properties essential for treating numerous ailments. The Bochnia Salt Mine was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on June 23, 2013.
The Solana Ston stamp depicts salt harvested from the sea. With its tradition of salt extraction, Solana Ston is the oldest saltworks in Europe. Salt has left an indelible mark on the history of Ston, as this valuable resource has allowed its inhabitants to enjoy prosperity for centuries. In ancient times, salt production was achieved by the sun, sea, and wind, and it proceeded naturally through evaporation, a process that continues to this day. Ston salt is pure, shiny, and distinctly white, a testament to the purity of the sea from which it is extracted. It also has a high concentration of natural iodine. The quality of the salt is exceptional, as no additives are added to prevent coagulation or moisture. Salt is part of our natural wealth, and saltworks are a cultural and historical treasure of Croatia.
Polish Post commemorates themes promoting Poland internationally on its stamps. This joint issue with Croatian Post, promoting the treasures of our land, is consistent with this mission.
About stamps:
author of the design: Marzanna Dąbrowska
number of stamps: 2
value: PLN 4 each
circulation: 120,000 pcs of each
printing technique: offset
stamp format: 51 x 39.5 mm each
paper: fluorescent
sales sheet: 8 stamps
date of introduction into circulation: December 2, 2021
This and other philatelic publications of Poczta Polska can be purchased at post offices and in the online store .