The air in the caves has a low bacteria content, and some pools in the mine are said to be saltier than the Dead Sea.

It might not be your first choice for a place to spend the night, but this treatment facility in the salt mines of Ukraine is one of the best places to sleep in the world. Since the 1970s, people with respiratory issues have travelled 300 meters below ground to get a good night’s sleep. Scientists have found that the air in the caves has significantly less bacteria than even something as sterile as a hospital.

Since the 1970s, people with respiratory illnesses have been coming down to these salt mines to help treat their ailments.

The treatment facility has a long waiting list, and a wall breach in 2008 made even less beds available to those dealing with respiratory issues.

300 meters above the mines is a hospital where people can also receive treatment.

It might not have the sterile air that the caves below have to offer, but it’s better than nothing.

The temperature, which stays around 70 degrees, contributes to the climate of the mines, making it a perfect place to rest.

It’s great how people can go into those mines and get the help that they need. Personally, I would think about staying the night down there, but I’d have to make sure everyone else is okay with me using a nightlight.

The post What People Pay To Do In This Abandoned Salt Mine Is Beyond Odd appeared first on Barnorama.

Historians estimate that catacombs were probably first constructed sometime around the 16th century. However it wasn’t until the 1800s that they reached the size they are today.

You’re probably pretty familiar with the Paris Catacombs, Capuchin Catacombs, and even the London Catacombs. But did you know that they all pale in comparison to the catacombs underneath the city of Odessa in Ukraine?

Under the streets of Odessa are more than 1,500 miles of underground tunnels, the result of almost a century of mining. The Odessa Catacombs have had a pretty colorful history over the years, but were officially sealed off by the government in 1980.

The city of Odessa sits on a large quarry of limestone. In the 1800s, large scale mining operations were launched underneath the city. They removed limestone which was used to build the city above ground.

During this time the catacombs quickly expanded in size to cover more than 1,500 miles. This huge labyrinth of empty tunnels would soon come in handy for the residents of Odessa.

During World War II, the Nazis forced the Soviets out of Odessa and occupied it. The tunnels served as protection for Soviet rebels. They hid underground, tormenting the Nazis occupying the city while staying safe.

Throughout the war, the Nazis never managed to successfully root out the rebels hiding in the tunnels.

After World War II, the tunnels were used by smugglers. These smugglers even partially expanded the catacombs in some places.

Finally, though, in 1980 the government of Odessa decided to close the catacombs for good. They sealed the entrances, but did not make it illegal to explore the tunnels. It wasn’t long before an unofficial tradition secretly exploring parts of the catacombs sprung up.

In 2005, tragedy struck. It was then that locals learned the catacombs were sealed off for a reason. To ring in the new year, a group of Odessa teens decided to party in the catacombs. During the party, one girl was separated from the group and unable find her way back. She spent the next three days wandering through the catacombs in complete, freezing darkness before collapsing and dying of dehydration.

Her body was found by a group of catacombs explorers in April 2005. However, it could not be removed by the police until 2007 because she was so far from any exit. This is what her body looked like when she was first discovered.

The Odessa Catacombs look like a fascinating place to visit, but not without an experienced guide. You don’t want to end up like that poor girl. Just imagine being drunk at a NYE party underground, then getting lost, and abandoned by your friends to die there alone in complete darkness. I can’t think of a worse fate.

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