St Albans Cathedral, Anglican cathedral in St Albans, England
St Albans Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in St Albans, England, combining Norman, Romanesque and Gothic elements across a length of approximately 168 metres and a width of around 59 metres. The nave extends for roughly 85 metres, making it the longest in England.
A monastery was founded here in 793 on the site where a Roman soldier was executed in the third century. The present church was consecrated in 1115 and brings together building phases from several centuries.
The cathedral takes its name from the Roman soldier who died here as Britain's first Christian martyr, drawing pilgrims for centuries to venerate his relics. Visitors today come to see painted scenes on the walls and walk through rooms where monks once produced books with fine script and images.
The building opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and offers free guided tours that explain architecture and function. Visitors can walk the full length of the interior and examine details on walls and ceilings.
The bell tower houses twenty-three bells that play different melodies each day through a mechanical system. Visitors hear these compositions across the town at set times.
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