POLAND - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 454

Distance by Train: 109 miles (175 km)
Average Train Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
City Dialing Code: 81
Tourist Information Office: in the Railway Station
Tel: [phone]
www.lublin.eu or www.lrot.pl
E-mail : [e-mail]
Hours: 0900-1800 Tuesday-Sunday
Notes: Tourist Office located in the Old Town area. Either take a taxi or the bus
(2.40 zł) into Old Town from the train station.
The town of Lublin has long been known as the gateway to the east, located a
mere 50 miles from the Ukrainian border. Over a century or more, this location has
been both its source of strength and its greatest weakness. The location provided
for a great deal of cross-pollination of scientific and social ideas, but also resulted
in the town being invaded, and control of Lublin has changed hands many times.
Since Poland joined the European Union, the city has become important as a cul-
tural center, with a vibrant theater district, art scene, and a film-making tradition.
First, head into the Old Town area. This area remains the heart of the city, with
narrow, cobbled streets and historical buildings at every turn. The CastleofLublin
and ChapeloftheHolyTrinity, in the north side of Old Town, are a must visit. The
castle dates from sometime in the 12th century and is now home of the Lublin Mu-
seum. The castle and the chapel contained within the house have paintings dating
to 1418, which contain a unique mix of Western and Eastern orthodox infiuences.
The castle, which had fallen into disrepair by the 18th century, was rebuilt in the