Westminster Abbey, Gothic collegiate church in Westminster, England
Westminster Abbey is an Anglican collegiate church in Westminster and one of the most prominent examples of Gothic architecture in England. Pointed arch windows with medieval stained glass, ribbed vaults, and stone columns organize the interior, while twin towers of Portland stone dominate the western facade and Henry VII's Chapel with finely carved details forms the eastern end.
King Henry III began construction of the current building in 1245, replacing the earlier Romanesque church with a Gothic structure. Later monarchs added chapels and side wings, and the building remained a royal church even after Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, surviving bomb damage during the Second World War.
The monarchy uses this building for coronations, weddings, and services, so visitors experience a living royal tradition. Literature enthusiasts visit the corner with memorials to English writers, where they discover graves and inscriptions of famous authors and often leave flowers.
Visitors must book tickets in advance through the official website, with guided tours offered in several languages. Wheelchair access is limited because some areas are not accessible, and photography restrictions apply inside the building.
Every British monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066 has been crowned in this building, with the medieval Coronation Chair holding the Stone of Scone. More than thirty-three hundred people are buried or honored by memorials inside, making this one of the most significant burial sites in Europe.
Location: City of Westminster
Inception: 10 century
Architectural style: Gothic architecture, Gothic art
Accessibility: Accessible en fauteuil roulant
Part of: Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret's Church
Address: Dean's Yard
Opening Hours: Lundi-Samedi 09:30-16:00
Phone: +442072225152
Website: http://westminster-abbey.org
GPS coordinates: 51.49940,-0.12737
Latest update: December 11, 2025 21:56
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The Unknown Warrior
17 m
St Margaret's Church, Westminster
73 m
Henry VII Chapel
54 m
Middlesex Guildhall
121 m
Statue of Oliver Cromwell
117 m
Westminster Abbey Museum
68 m
Statue of Nelson Mandela
114 m
Ashburnham House
111 m
Statue of George V
86 m
Statue of Robert Peel
121 m
Imperial Monumental Halls and Tower
69 m
The Great Cloisters of Westminster Abbey
40 m
Combined Services Memorial
122 m
Abbey Precinct Railings To West Of Abbey And To East End And Abbey Close
97 m
Turle's House
87 m
Clerk Of The Works Office And The Remains Of The Chapel Of St Catherine Little Cloisters Lodgings
92 m
21 Dean's Yard with Abbey Shop
100 m
Monument to Major-General James Wolfe
27 m
7 Old Palace Yard
119 m
The Deanery And Sub Dean's Residence With The Jericho Parlour
90 m
Little Deans Yard Staircase To Doorway And Gateway To School And Busby Library
101 m
St Margaret's Churchyard Railings, Obelisks And Bollards
85 m
10 Lamp Standards Round Central Green Of Dean's Yard
108 m
The Chapter House and Pyx Chamber in the abbey cloisters, Westminster Abbey
46 m
19,19a And 20, Broad Sanctuary Sw1
96 m
5 Lamp Standards Lettered G
98 m
6 Lampstandards In St Margaret's Churchyard Lettered G
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