Canterbury, Medieval cathedral city in Kent, England
Canterbury is a city in Kent, southeast England, known for its cathedral and medieval streets that wind along the River Stour. Timber-framed houses stand beside stone buildings, and sections of Roman wall run through lanes, courtyards, and small squares lined with shops and cafes.
The murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket inside the cathedral in 1170 transformed the city into one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in medieval Europe. That tradition drew pilgrims for centuries and shaped urban life and the development of surrounding neighborhoods.
Pilgrimage routes still cross the old town and lead to chapels, memorial sites, and quiet corners that draw daily visitors from many countries. Students from local universities shape the street scene and fill the riverside pubs each evening with voices and laughter.
Several car parks are located on the edge of town and allow a short walk into the center, where most lanes are reserved for pedestrians. Two railway stations offer regular connections to London and coastal towns, and bus routes run between main sites and residential areas.
At the Westgate Museum, housed in a medieval city gate, visitors can see the prison cells where offenders were once held. From the upper floors, an open view stretches over the rooftops and the river below.
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