Canterbury Cathedral, Anglican cathedral in Canterbury, England
The cathedral features a Norman crypt, Gothic architecture with pointed arches, stone columns, and a 72-meter central tower rising above Canterbury's skyline.
Augustine of Canterbury founded this site in the year 597, and it quickly became the center of Christianity in England. After a fire in 1067, construction of the Norman building began, and over the following centuries later generations added the Gothic choir and central tower.
In the Norman crypt, one sees the oldest wall paintings in England, which attract local and international pilgrims who visit them to this day. On the columns and vaults, Romanesque capitals feature animal motifs and foliage carved by medieval stonemasons from the 12th century.
A visit leads through the nave, crypt, and cloister, taking about an hour and a half at a leisurely pace. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, as the floor is uneven and steps lead down into the crypt.
In the stained glass window from the 13th century, one can read the story of Thomas Becket across more than a hundred separate scenes running from bottom to top. The color palette consists mainly of blues and reds, which cast colored patches of light on the floor during sunny days.
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