Chelmno – The City of Lovers

Planning a romantic trip to Poland? If so, make Chelmno your primary destination. Located in the northern part of Poland, Chelmno is one of the Polish cities that draw thousands of lovers annually. Its laid-back atmosphere and well-preserved urban development system, as well as entertaining activities, make this beautiful city a popular location for travelers who want to rekindle their love affair and those looking for a holiday like no other.

Valentine’s Day in Chelmno

Popularly known as the city of lovers, Chelmno sees thousands of visitors, both local and international, on the 14th of February every year. For sure, you may be wondering why do people flock to this Polish city to celebrate Valentine’s Day? This is because Chelmno has, in its possession, a highly significant relic. This relic, a bit of bone part of St Valentine’s skull, has been stored for centuries in the local Parish Church of the Assumption.

Legend has it that the priceless relic didn’t get to the city until the Middle Ages. New spread across the city about its arrival and the good tidings it brings. St. Valentine’s relic was received with great joy and excitement in the air. Many people believed that the relic has excellent healing benefits.

Every year, on Valentine’s Day and Pentecost, the relics will be put on public display. Housed in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish church, visitors are welcome to explore the church as well as learn more about the history of Saint Valentine. On this day, visitors can join locals in mass celebrations dedicated to Saint Valentine. Since Valentine is synonymous with love, gift sharing is the norm.

Couples whose wedding anniversary falls on this date can attend a dedicated mass alongside other couples in the parish church.

While other destinations around the world celebrate St. Valentine’s Day on the 14th of February, Chelmno’s Valentine’s Day celebration lasts for several days. During this time, the town gets busy with activities. Tourists in the company of a knowledgeable guide take a tour around the city. The town comes alive with exhibitions, street arts, colorful parades, culinary workshops, concerts, events, and literary and art competitions. During this week-long celebration, the city’s main square never sleeps.

Shops beautify their windows with stunning Valentine’s Day theme. Hotels and restaurants offer great deals and discounted offers for lovers. No other destination celebrates Valentine’s Day the way Chelmno does it. This is why Chelmno earned the name City of Lovers.

The City of Lovers

Chelmno is known as the city of lovers, not just for St. Valentine’s Day celebration. Love is always in the air all year round. Loads of entertainment activities lined out for couples all year round. Visit the Planty Park with flowery carpets that have a heart shape.

Besides, the city is an excellent location for destination weddings. If you love the idea of an open-air destination wedding, Chelmno has just the right location for you – the Park of Memory and Tolerance as well as the New Planty Park. These two locations will never disappoint. For those who just want to have a nice time, a stroll around these parks will help you feel relaxed.

Both parks feature benches designed especially for couples. The most popular bench which boasts padlocks of love awaits visitors in the New Planty Park. It may surprise you to know that you can also send live greetings to your loved ones overseas from one of the benches in the park.

To achieve this, location matters. Find a perfect spot to sit on one of the benches adjacent to the City Hall. To connect live to your loved one, he or she must visit the city’s website and follow the instructions. There’s a camera pointed at the bench transmitting the live pictures.

Chelmno Town Hall

There’s no shortage of activities and interesting things to do in Chelmno. One of the most attractive buildings in the city is the Gothic style Chelmno Town Hall. Located in the Medieval main square, the town hall with a stunning attic tower was built in the late 16th century. This is one of the city’s most significant landmarks. Inside the town hall are lots of chambers. On the first floor, you’ll find the archives, the balance room, the Chelmno court chamber, the city council’s chamber, and the summer representative hall.

On the second floor, there is a Townsmen Hall. The town hall has undergone a series of renovations. After its restoration in 1983, the Tourist Information Center, as well as the Museum of the Chelmno Land, were established here.

The museum fascinates visitors with its exhibitions. The permanent exhibitions found here tells visitors about the rich history of the city. Another permanent exhibition in the museum is Ludwik Rydygier, a renowned Surgeon who hails from Poland.

Temporary exhibitions are displayed in the Townsmen Hall. So if you’d like to see something new, visit the second floor. Chelmno is popular for its beautiful gothic architecture. Other lovely attractions in the city include the Crusader Castle Miniature Park and the Medieval Knights Village with a torture chamber.

Chelmno Churches

Here you’ll also find loads of gothic churches. One of the most popular is the Fara Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This church needs no introduction as it serves as the storehouse for the relics of St. Valentine.

Don’t miss a chance to explore these churches. However, if you ever visit Fara Church, make sure you climb to the top of the tower standing 60 meters from ground level. Also, check out the Church of the Holy Spirit to see the different knight armors on display.

Chelmno Quarters

Chelmno is divided into four quarters namely

• Small quarter – found in the southern part of the city. The small quarter comprises the Holy Spirit Street, Torun Street, and Tkacka Street. It also houses the most famous gothic churches in the city, including the parish church of Mary’s Assumption and the Holy Spirit Martin’s Chapel.’
• Dominican Quarter – located on the northeast part of Chelmno, the area has the largest population in the city
• Franciscan Quarter – You’ll find the Franciscan and Cistercian convent complex in this part of the city.
• Big Quarter – This is where the city’s elites reside. It comprises Grubinska Street and Tlusta Street

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