The Chelm Chalk Underground is a unique in Europe complex of former chalk pits located partly under the Dr. Edward Luczkowski Square (the contractual market square) and partly under the tenement houses located around this square. The system of white corridors runs mainly under the area of the former market square and is a remnant of centuries of mining activity carried out by the inhabitants of Chelm. The entrance to the underground is located in a modern pavilion near the market square, next to which a statue of the legendary Bieluch Spirit has been placed.
The formation of local chalk deposits is related to geological processes occurring millions of years ago in the area of the former shallow sea. The deposited remains of marine organisms were gradually compressed and lithified, forming deposits of chalk rock. In the Middle Ages, the city’s residents began extracting chalk from cellars beneath the city buildings. The raw material was used in construction, ceramics and dyeing, among other applications.
In subsequent centuries, the underground workings were gradually expanded. In the 17th century, many tenements had exits to the chalk passages, referred to in ancient documents as “brick necks.” Over time, the individual tunnels began to connect, creating an extensive system of underground labyrinths with a total length estimated at around 15 kilometers.
The first section of the underground made available to tourists was about 300 meters long. Today, the tourist route covers about 2 kilometers of corridors running under the city’s surface. The route includes chambers and niches presenting the history of chalk mining and the history of Chelm.
Ciekawostka
– During the tour of the Underground, you can meet the Spirit of Bieluch.
– The Chelm Chalk Underground, a unique system of passageways under the Old Town on a European scale, was entered in the register of monuments in 1994 as a unique remnant of chalk mining.
– Chelm’s Chalk Underground is the only one of the Wonders of Poland. The Wonders of Poland 2024 plebiscite, organized by National Geographic Travel magazine, is the country’s largest plebiscite aimed at promoting still underrated places in the country. The award went to an attraction considered unique in Europe and the world.
– The underground reaches 20 meters below the surface.
– The underground maintains a constant year-round temperature of +9 degrees C and humidity of 70-80%.
– The guided tour lasts about 50 minutes.
