Things to see and do Chełm

Among the few Jewish relics in Chełm, one cannot miss the Little Synagogue (Synagoga Mała). Built between 1912 and 1914, its façade is richly decorated and enriched with Art Nouveau elements. In the past, there was a second synagogue, which was destroyed during the Second World War. The synagogue was the object of an international scandal after it was bought in 2004 to install a restaurant despite its categorization as a place of worship. Jews from all over the world entered into a heated debate that ultimately did not change the fate of the site.

Here's an address to remember! To prepare your visit to the town and its surroundings, head to this small tourist office. The welcome is always very professional, and you'll find plenty of information about Chełm and the surrounding area, as well as advice on how to prepare your walks, find an address to drop your suitcases or a good table to recover from the day's activities. In short, this tourist information center is really very practical.

The regional museum occupies the halls of a former monastery and is mainly concerned with contemporary painting. The museum has several branches, including the archaeological and ethnological section (ul. Lubelska 56), which exhibits various objects from the Stone Age onwards and houses temporary exhibitions. The historical section (ul. Lubelska 57) is devoted to the history of the city between 1392 and 1944. The Chapel of St. Nicholas (ul. Św. Mikołaja 4) exhibits religious art from the 18th to the 20th century. Classical music concerts are held here.

Underground tunnels dug in the chalky rock, spread over five levels and tens of kilometers. Unique in the world, this labyrinth comes from an old chalk mine, whose exploitation started at the beginning of the 13th century and continued for hundreds of years. Forgotten until the collapse of a road in 1960, the labyrinth was soon opened to the public. During the visit, geological, archaeological and historical exhibitions follow one another.

On the top of the castle hill (Góra Zamkowa) stands this graceful 17th century basilica. It acquired its Baroque style during its reconstruction in 1735-1756.

The buildings surrounding it are part of a religious complex, formerly a bishop's palace (built in 1771) and monastery (1640-1649). At the foot of the basilica, on the right, you will see the ruins of a medieval fortress from the 10th century, which disappeared a long time ago.