2007-10-25, Salt Mine Cathedral - 盐矿大教堂

（单词翻译）

Where once only salt miners traveled, today, tourists track through tunnels hundreds of feet deep into the caverns¹ of Zipaquirá mountain in Colombia. Their destination, a Catholic cathedral carved from the mineral deposits of the old mine.

More than 100 sculptors² and miners laboured for 4 years, blasting chambers³ chiseling⁴ rock and smoothing the crystallized salt in to a smooth and majestic⁵ place of worship.

This tourist was impressed by the architecture and craftsmanship⁶. He says it is a very beautiful place. In this cathedral all the Biblical figures are pillars of salt. And the crucifix is cut directly into the chamber's wall. Completed in 1995, the project cost 8 million dollars US. For local Columbians, it is a source of enormous pride.

One time miner David Rincon now maintains the church. He says it is the 8th wonder of the world and he calls it a miracle. But for the local government the cathedral is more than just inspirational. It represents income approximately 1 million dollars a year from paying visitors. So in a country that's seen a drastic drop in tourism because of civil war and rampant⁷ crime the dark caves of Zipaquirá Mountain now offer a beacon⁸ of light.