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.
Location: Canterbury
Inception: 7 century
Architects: William of Sens, William the Englishman
Architectural style: Romanesque architecture, English Gothic architecture, Norman architecture, Gothic art
Height: 24 m
Length: 54 m
Width: 57 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Made from material: stone
Part of: Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
Website: https://canterbury-cathedral.org
GPS coordinates: 51.27981,1.08300
Latest update: December 4, 2025 14:20
Old Palace, Canterbury
81 m
Chair of St Augustine
11 m
The Corona, Canterbury Cathedral
11 m
Christ Church Cathedral Priory
11 m
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
31 m
Prior's Chapel
46 m
Library of the Canterbury cathedral
44 m
Lavatory Tower
38 m
26-28, Burgate
113 m
Cloister To Christchurch Cathedral
74 m
Chapter House To Christchurch Cathedral
33 m
Prior Sellinge Gate
83 m
6 And 7, The Cathedral Precincts
115 m
Paving In Front Of Number 18
88 m
Wall Between No 18 And The Cathedral
65 m
24 And 25, Burgate
113 m
29 And 30, Burgate
117 m
31, Burgate
120 m
11A And 11B, The Cathedral Precincts
97 m
5, The Cathedral Precincts
121 m
Wall And Gate Piers Between Archbishop's Palace And Cathedral
97 m
9, The Cathedral Precincts
109 m
Wolfson Library
52 m
23, Burgate
113 m
The Archdeacon Of Canterbury's House
90 m
Dark Entry
32 m
Cathedral Choir School
88 m
29A, The Cathedral Precincts
90 mReviews
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