A route in the footsteps of the Orthodox and Uniate heritage of Chelm. From 13th-century crypts to Orthodox churches and seminaries, in which the history of the eastern borderland is written.
Chelm lies on the border of two great Christian traditions: the Latin and Byzantine. On Chelmska Hill, where the Baroque basilica stands today, the cathedral church of the Orthodox and later Uniate bishops rose for centuries. It is here that the story of the eastern face of the city begins.
The trail leads through 10 points associated with Orthodox and Uniate traditions – from the 13th-century crypts of the Halych princes, through the seminaries and Orthodox churches, to memorial sites of prominent figures of Ukrainian history. The route takes about two and a half hours of leisurely walking.
In the Middle Ages, Chelm lay on the border between Eastern and Western Slavic lands, Piast Poland and Kyiv Rus. In the 13th century, Daniel Romanowicz, ruler of the principality of Halicko-Vlodzimierski and the first King of Rus, made Chelm the capital of his state and founded a cathedral church on Chelmska Mountain. For the next centuries Chelm was the seat of Orthodox bishops, and after the Union of Brest in 1596, of Unitarian (Greek Catholic) bishops, combining the Eastern rite with recognition of the Pope’s supremacy.
In the 19th century, the Russian government canceled the Union in the Chelm region, taking over the Uniate temples and seminaries in favor of the Orthodox Church. This turbulent history left two layers of heritage in the fabric of the city, the Uniate and the Orthodox, which this trail allows you to discover.
The building was erected between 1735 and 1756, according to a design by Italian architect Pavel Antoni Fontana, on the site of the 13th-century Cathedral Church of the Mother of God, serving the Orthodox and Uniate bishops. Built in the late Baroque style, it is also the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Chelm. After 1875 it was converted into an Orthodox Cathedral, and since 1931 it has been the seat of the parish of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Dating back to the 13th century, the crypts (the main part of which dates back to the 18th century) conceal, among other things, the remains of the Halicko-Vlodzimir princes (including King Daniel Romanovich) as well as Orthodox and Uniate bishops (during World War II, a chapel dedicated to St. Prophet Daniel functioned in one of the crypts. Saint Prophet Daniel). After conservation treatments, made available to tourists in 2018 and connected by the basements of the former Basilian monastery from the 17th century, which became available in 2024.
The building is part of the cathedral complex on Chelmska Mountain. It was built in 1711-1730 on the initiative of then Bishop Jozef Levitsky for the seat of Chelm’s Uniate bishops. Expanded in the 19th century, it served the Orthodox clergy. Today it is used by the Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A fortified settlement with the remains of a residential and sacred complex with a monumental castle (palatium) of the ruler of the Halicko-Vlodzimierski Principality and the first king of Rus, Daniel Romanovich, with a residential tower in the center and the Church of St. John the Golden-mouthed. After Chelm was incorporated into the Polish state, it served the rulers of Poland. It was destroyed in the mid-17th century during the Cossack and Swedish invasions.
Mid-19th century cemetery with graves of Russian officials, teachers and officers. Used until World War II. Burial place of Ukraine’s émigré Prime Minister Pylypychuk.
A complex of a former Unitarian seminary of 1769-1800, expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries with a former Unitarian church of St. Nicholas of the mid-18th century, rebuilt in the 19th and 20th centuries. It now houses the Art Department of the Wiktor Ambroziewicz Museum of Chełm Land.
The complex of the former Orthodox seminary of 1890, with the chapels of St. Leontius and St. Theodosius, as well as the former dormitory, historic fence and janitor’s house. Currently, the Stefan Czarniecki First High School, established in 1915 as the Chelm Philological School, operates here.
An apartment building from the late 19th century. Probably the birthplace of Mykhailo Hrushevskyi (1866-1934), a prominent Ukrainian historian and the first president of the Ukrainian People’s Republic in 1918. His figure is commemorated by a plaque founded in 1996 to mark the 130th anniversary of his birth.
The temple was built in classical style in 1846-49 as a military church. Since 1864 it has functioned as a parish church and is currently the only Orthodox building in the Chelm area. The surrounding area includes a bell tower from 1867 and a rectory from 1867-1868, as well as several monuments dedicated to the action of demolishing the church in 1938, to Mykhailo Hrushevsky and Daniel Romanovich.
Visits are possible by appointment (tel. 82 565 24 80)
The building was constructed in 1866-1875 after the Russian government took over and expanded the former Reformati monastery. It was intended as a female high school, in time called the Mariinsky Institute (after its patroness Maria Fyodorovna, wife of Tsar Alexander III). In the interwar period, the Male Teachers’ Seminary functioned here, and now the Catering and Hotel Schools Complex.
Start on Chelmska Hill. It takes several minutes to reach it on foot from Luczkowski Square. By car: parking lots throughout the city are free.
When visiting the Orthodox Church, it is worth remembering to wear appropriate clothing that covers the body.
We recommend comfortable shoes, as the route runs partly on uneven terrain (near the cemetery). In summer we recommend headgear, as part of the route runs in the open.
The temperature in the crypts is lower, so it is advisable to take warmer clothing even on hot days.
The “On the Hill” Café operates in the complex during the summer. You can also buy souvenirs at the cafe.
Due to the historic nature of the hill (stairs, alleys), some approaches to the High Hill may be inconvenient for people with limited mobility.
Yes, the starting point is shared with the Western Culture Trail. You can combine both trails into one longer walk and see the different faces of Chelm.
Yes, although the theme of the trail is more historical and may not interest the youngest. For families with children, we recommend connecting with the “Track of Chełmiś the Bear” Trail.
It is possible to take a guided tour of the sanctuary and crypts by prior reservation
Basilica (Item 1): Admission to the temple is free. Tours of the interior are best planned during breaks between services.
Crypts (item 2): Visiting the crypts under the basilica is for a fee. A ticket to the crypts themselves costs PLN 12 (regular) and PLN 6 (reduced).
More cost-effective is the PLN 22/PLN 12 pass, which also includes admission to the viewing bell tower and the 17th-century monastery cellars.
The trail leads through a unique estate entirely listed in the register of historical monuments, which was one of the major urban planning projects of the Second Republic. The estate will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028.
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A route leading in the footsteps of Chelm's heritage - from Baroque to modernism, through churches and monasteries in which echoes of centuries-old tradition can be heard.
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