The underground chalk passages in Chelm are the remnants of excavations of writing chalk under the city over a several centuries. They have also served as a shelter for the residents of the city at the time of attacks, war and plunder.
Under the Old Town buildings on the slopes of a chalk hill, there are excavations which, over hundreds of years, had their origins in the basements of inhabitant’s houses.
Under the Old Town buildings on the slopes of a chalk hill, there are excavations which, over hundreds of years, had their origins in the basements of inhabitant’s houses.
FEATURES, ORIGINS, VALUES AND LEGAL PROTECTION
The labyrinth of corridors and chambers, also known as halls, on several excavated levels, are located even up to a depth of about 20m below the surface, is the result of accidental connection of individual excavations. The exploitation of the high quality chalk was carried out without any controls but the original techniques developed for extracting the raw material and the methods used to secure the workings cannot be found anywhere else. It is estimated that after excavations had finished, under a small section of the old town there were several kilometres of passages. Today the underground chalk passages in Chelm conceal many hidden mysteries, surprises and secrets as well as being shrouded in numerous beautiful legends. It is the home of the most famous Polish spirit which comes out to greet tourists, the benevolent Bieluch.
The tourist trail leads through easily accessible, recently secured corridors under the central part of old Chelm. It was opened to the public in 1972.
The underground chalk passages in Chelm were entered in the cultural heritage register in 1994 as unique remains of chalk mining.
TOUR ORGANISER
Underground Chalk Passages in Chelm “Labyrinth”
22-100 Chelm
Ul Lubelska 55a
Phone: +48 82 565 25 30
e-mail: zabytkowakopalnia@interia.pl
http://www.podziemiakredowe.pl/pl
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 09.00 -17.00,
Saturday & Sunday 10.00-16.00.
ACCESSIBILITY OF FACILITIES BY VISITORS
The tourist route is open to the public every day of the year with the exception of Easter, Christmas as well as 1st January and 1st November
Individual tourists can visit the underground passages at set times only: 11.00, 13.00, 16.00
In July and August are the additional time slots
Advance booking is required for groups of visitors
Length of Trail is about 2km
Tor takes about 45 minutes
A walk from the parking lot takes about 15 minutes
The internal temperature is a constant 9° C with humidity between 70% and 80%
The route is electrically illuminated.
The trail is not suitable for people with disabilities
Guided tours available for groups between 20 and 35 people
We recommend comfortable, athletic shoes and warm clothing in the summer
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