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.
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