Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, Baroque basilica in Chełm, Poland.
The Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary is a Baroque church with three naves, two towers, and a dome crowned with a lantern. The interior follows a Latin cross floor plan and accommodates worshippers gathering for prayer.
The building was originally constructed as an Orthodox temple in 1256 and was transformed into a Greek Catholic cathedral following the 1596 Union of Brest. This shift reflects the region's changing religious landscape.
The basilica draws visitors who come to venerate the Chełm Madonna, a spiritual focal point for prayer and devotion. The place carries deep religious meaning for those who gather here, especially during celebrations honoring Mary.
The basilica welcomes visitors daily for services and is open throughout the year. September brings special celebrations for the Nativity of Mary, when the church fills with pilgrims observing the feast.
The building blends Western European Baroque architecture with Eastern Orthodox elements in its design. This fusion is visible throughout the structure, where features from both traditions coexist.
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