Audio Guide of Castle Hill, Chełm

The park grounds and the hill are open 24 hours a day, while the Basilica is usually open for visits from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can easily reach it by walking up Lubelska Street from the city center; it is a pleasant walk, although parking is also available near the top.

Admission to the hill gardens and the interior of the Basilica is free. Usually, only a very small fee is charged to climb the bell tower (Clock Tower), from where you will get the best panoramic views of Chełm.

We recommend setting aside between 60 and 90 minutes to enjoy the full experience. This will allow you to walk the Stations of the Cross paths, visit the interior of the sanctuary, and climb the tower without rushing.

It is the historic heart where King Daniel Romanovich founded the city in the 13th century. In addition to being an ancient fortified settlement, it houses the revered icon of Our Lady of Chełm, making it a key place of pilgrimage and culture.

Spring and summer are ideal for appreciating the garden vegetation. If you want the best photo, go up shortly before sunset to see the city bathed in golden light from the viewpoint.

As it is a hill, there are steep slopes, but there are paved paths that allow access to the main square and entry into the church. However, access to the upper part of the bell tower is exclusively by stairs.

Just a few minutes away on foot, at the bottom of the hill, you will find the entrance to the famous Chełm Chalk Tunnels, a unique underground attraction in Europe that you should not miss.

Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking on cobblestones and slopes. Before entering the Basilica, check the Mass schedule so you can make your tourist visit respectfully without interrupting worship.