Chełm

Postal code: 22-100 Dialling code: +48 (0)82

Urban commune

Area: 35 km² Population: 70.808

Chelm is a senior town to Zamosc. In the 12th century it was the capital city of the Wlodzimierz-Halicz duchy, but already in the next century it was incorporated into Lithuania to be taken over by the Polish Crown some time later. The city suffered much during the Cossack revolts, but many precious monuments of the past remain. There used to be a ducal stronghold on the conspicuous Cathedral Mountain of Chelm. The remnants of the oldest structures are now hidden under a layer of earth. Today, the hill is crowned with a large cathedral surrounded by a complex of religious buildings including the former Uniate cathedral, now a church, the former Basilian Friars monastery, the bishops' palace and the Usciluska Gate.

Chelm's most famous tourist attraction is its Underground Chalk Tunnels, an array of old chalk passages hewn by hand about 12 metres below ground level, spreading under the whole area of the old town and the Cathedral Mountain.