Chelm's Chalk Underground is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable attractions not only of the city, but of the entire region. This vast system of corridors and chambers carved in the chalk beneath the city center is a unique monument to mining technology and a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Chelm's former inhabitants.

The history of the underground dates back to the 13th century, when chalk mining for construction and agriculture began. Over the centuries, the network of corridors grew, creating a veritable labyrinth beneath the city. In times of war, the underground was used by residents as a refuge from invaders, and in peacetime it was used as storage facilities. Particularly intensive exploitation took place in the 17th and 18th centuries, leading to an extensive network of tunnels on several levels.

Today, tourists can explore some 2 kilometers of accessible corridors from a total estimated length of more than 15 kilometers. The tourist route takes visitors through the most interesting parts of the underground, where they can admire mining chambers, mining tools and traces of the work of former miners. The temperature in the underground remains constant at around 9 degrees Celsius throughout the year, which creates a specific microclimate.

The biggest attraction of the underground is the legendary Bieluch Spirit - guardian of the chalk passages. According to local legends, this good-natured ghost in a white robe helps strays in the labyrinth and guards hidden treasures. The figure of Bieluch is one of the most recognizable symbols of Chelm, and meeting him is the highlight of the underground tour. This local legend fits perfectly into the folklore of the city, which was known in Jewish humorous tradition as the 'legendary capital of stupidity,' as immortalized in his short stories by Nobel Prize winner Isaac Bashevis Singer.

Tours of the underground are conducted exclusively with a guide, who not only ensures the safety of tourists, but also colorfully tells the history of the place, quoting numerous anecdotes and legends. Special routes with elements of fun and education have been prepared for the youngest, making the underground a perfect place for a family trip.

It is worth noting that Chelm's chalk underground is the only facility of its kind in Europe open to the public, which makes it a truly unique attraction. Their unique character was recognized in 2019, when they were included in the list of Monuments of History, which further emphasizes their historical and cultural value.

Towering over the city, the Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of Chelm's most important monuments, whose history reflects the complicated history of this border region. Situated on Chelmska Mountain, this majestic temple is not only a sacred object, but also a symbol of the city's multicultural heritage.

The origins of the temple date back to the 13th century, when Prince Daniel Halytsky, ruler of Halic-Volyn Rus, made Chelm the capital of his principality and erected an Orthodox church here. After these lands were annexed to the Polish Crown in the 14th century, the temple went through vicissitudes, being alternately an Orthodox church, a Uniate church and eventually a Roman Catholic church. This religious metamorphosis perfectly illustrates the history of the region, where Eastern and Western influences intersected for centuries.

The basilica's current shape is the result of an 18th century reconstruction, when it was given a Baroque character. The facade of the temple impresses with its harmonious proportions and rich architectural detail. The interior of the church hides real treasures of sacred art, among which the icon of Our Lady of Chelm, famous for its miracles, deserves special attention. This precious monument, which is a copy of the original icon exported to Russia in the 19th century, is held in special reverence by the faithful.

Inside the basilica one can also admire Baroque altars, a pulpit and valuable paintings and sculptures. Of particular interest are the preserved fragments of the original Byzantine temple, which testify to the long and complex history of the site. The church's basement hides crypts where the remains of church and secular dignitaries rest.

Many local legends and tales are associated with the basilica. One of them tells of a mysterious tunnel connecting the temple with the Chalk Underground, through which the city's residents fled in times of wars and invasions. Another tells of the miraculous rescue of the icon of Our Lady of Chelm during numerous fires and invasions, which was supposed to be proof of Mary's special care for the city.

In 1988 Pope John Paul II gave the church the title of basilica minor, stressing its importance for the history of the Church in Poland. Today, the temple serves not only religious functions, but is also an important point on the tourist map of the city. The observation deck at the basilica offers a picturesque panorama of Chelm and the surrounding area, making the place even more attractive to visitors.

The Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is not only an architectural monument, but first and foremost a living testimony to the turbulent history of the city, where different cultures, religions and traditions met over the centuries. Its walls remember the times when Chelm was the capital of the principality, an important religious and cultural center, as well as the site of dramatic historical events that shaped the fate of the region.

The Wiktor Ambroziewicz Museum of Chelm Land is a real treasure trove of knowledge about the region, where history, art and nature meet under one roof. Housed in a historic building on Lubelska Street, this institution offers visitors a fascinating journey through the history of Chelm and its environs, from the earliest times to the present.

The museum was founded in 1919 on the initiative of local cultural activists, and its patron is Wiktor Ambroziewicz - an educator and social activist who made a huge contribution to the development of education and culture in the region. Over the years, the institution has collected exhibits related to the history, archeology, ethnography and art of the Chelm region, creating an impressive collection, which today numbers more than 20,000 objects.

Visitors can admire the rich archaeological collection, documenting settlements in the area from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. Particularly valuable are artifacts related to the Gothic culture and the early medieval stronghold on Chelmska Mountain. The historical section presents documents, photographs and memorabilia illustrating the history of the city from the time when it was the capital of the Duchy of Halicko-Vlodzimierski, through the period of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the partitions, to the dramatic events of World War II, when Chelm briefly served as the informal capital of Poland.

Particularly noteworthy is the art collection, which includes works by artists associated with the region, including works by Wladyslaw Uklea, a prominent painter from Chelm. The museum also has a rich collection of icons, reflecting the multicultural character of this borderland area, where Eastern and Western influences have intersected over the centuries.

The ethnographic department introduces visitors to the traditional folk culture of the region, presenting costumes, tools, household utensils and handicrafts. The exhibition gives visitors a better understanding of how the old inhabitants of Chelm region lived, their customs, beliefs and daily activities.

The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions, educational workshops, museum lessons and other cultural events that attract both locals and tourists. Thanks to modern forms of presentation and interactive exhibition elements, the institution successfully combines educational functions with entertainment, offering an attractive proposition for visitors of all ages.

Near the museum is Dr. Edward Luczkowski Square - the heart of historic Chelm and one of the most important points on the city map. This charming square, surrounded by historic houses, is the center of Chelm's social and cultural life. The name of the square commemorates Dr. Edward Luczkowski - a physician, social activist and patriot who served as mayor of the city in the interwar period and contributed to its development.

Luczkowski Square is the venue for the city's most important cultural and entertainment events, from concerts and festivals to fairs and markets. On summer evenings, the square bustles with activity, attracting locals and tourists to its many cafes and restaurants. In winter, on the other hand, it becomes the site of Christmas illuminations and a Christmas market.

Many local anecdotes and stories are associated with the square, including those referring to the famous 'Wise Men of Chelm' - heroes of Jewish humor who were said to inhabit the city. According to one such story, the Chełm sages once decided to move a well from the market square to a more convenient location, marking its location with a red shawl - an idea that turned out not to be very successful when the wind snatched the shawl. These humorous tales, immortalized by Isaac Bashevis Singer, have become part of the city's cultural heritage and remind us of its rich Jewish past.

Both the Chelm Land Museum and Luczkowski Square are must-see spots on the itinerary of any tourist visiting Chelm. Situated in the heart of the historic center, these two places allow one to better understand and appreciate the rich multicultural history of this fascinating city on the border of cultures.