Kinga, Hungarian princess, wife of Polish King Bolesław the Chaste, traditionally takes care of miners who turn to her in case of problems or dangers which are easily faced in this risky job. The saint is also the patron of Wieliczka – she watches over the entire town, but the old mine is especially important to her. Therefore, it is possible to find images of Kinga all over the town and the most beautiful underground chapel of the mine is devoted to no one else but Kinga. The legend has it that Kinga deserves credit for bringing salt, the biggest treasure of the region, to Wieliczka. Supposedly, young princess threw her engagement ring to the shaft. It was then recovered hidden in a lump of salt. Since that time there was an abundance of salt in Wieliczka from where this “white gold” travelled to Krakow and other parts of the region.

In July, Wieliczka gained another image of the saint. It is, however, completely different from typical statues. Its unusual shape makes it possible for a viewer to interpret the sculpture according to his or her own ideas. The monument was created by Enrico Muscetra, an Italian artist who has lived in Krakow for four years. In July it was possible to visit his exhibition, entitled “ Romeo and Juliet – A Dream which Never Came True” held in Krzysztofory Palace in Krakow. The artist shows Kinga as a strong woman – which symbolizes heavy bronze construction of the statue – who is also very subtle and spiritual just like a flame-shaped light form of the monument. The sculpture is displayed on the premises of Wieliczka mine, where on 24th July, 2008 it was unveiled.