The church stands on the site of a medieval castle once used by King Daniel of Galicia.
The basilica was officially granted the title of Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1988.
Architect Paweł Fontana, who designed the basilica, was a prominent Italian architect active in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
The miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Chełm is a focal point of the interior, featuring a long history of veneration by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
The cathedral complex is surrounded by historic defensive walls and structures that reflect its former role as a fortress.
The structure features a distinct double-tower facade characteristic of late-Baroque religious architecture in the region.
The Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary in Chełm is a prominent late-Baroque pilgrimage site situated on Cathedral Hill. Originally established as an Orthodox cathedral in the 13th century, it was transitioned to the Uniate rite and later converted into a Roman Catholic basilica. The current structure was primarily constructed between 1735 and 1756 by the Basilian Order, designed by architect Paweł Fontana. The interior features a significant 18th-century painting of the Chełm Mother of God, which is a focal point for thousands of pilgrims annually. The church stands on a site with historical subterranean chalk tunnels, though these are managed as a separate attraction. It serves as a co-cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lublin. Its elevated position provides a dominant visual presence over the city of Chełm.
From the base of the Cathedral Hill looking up, or from the upper terrace facing the entrance.
Visit the adjacent Cathedral Hill park area for panoramic views of the city.
Check the local diocesan calendar, as the site holds major religious festivals that attract large crowds.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the high barrel-vaulted ceilings.
Do not attempt to enter the subterranean tunnels directly from the church basement, as they have separate access points.
Maintain silence, remove hats, and avoid photography during ongoing religious services.
