There is no doubt that the city started due to the sources of brine (salty water), processed into salt, once very expensive. It is the salt together with a loaf of bread which have become the symbols of Ukrainian generosity and hospitality. The production of salt and trade in the domestic and European market started in Drohobych more than a thousand years ago. This was done in the saltern. The process is simple and has been preserved till today. The brine drawn out by buckets from the wells was filled into copper or iron tubs, the fire burned underneath, the water evaporated and the salt remained. Every year thousands of cartfuls of wood were burned, and the forests around the city were hewn down. The salt was sold in bulk or by sacks, barrels or conic blocks. It was the salters who founded the most ancient part of Drohobych, Zvarychi, the heart of the city. Zhupna Street dates back from these times. Nine conic blocks of white salt in the ration of 4:3:2 down-wards against the blue background make the basis for the coat-of-arms and the banner of the city. 

Drohobych salt plant in the existence from 1250 is the oldest working salt plant in Drohobych, Lviv province, Ukraine. It has been working since 1250.