Norwich, Medieval cathedral city in Norfolk, England
Norwich is a large city in Norfolk, England, spreading along the River Wensum with its Norman cathedral, castle, and network of medieval lanes. The center displays buildings from different periods, from timber-framed houses to Georgian townhouses, arranged across several neighborhoods around the market square and the riverside.
The settlement began as an Anglo-Saxon town and grew into England's second-largest center after London during the 11th century, driven by the wool trade. Flemish weavers arrived in the 14th century, reinforcing its role as a major textile hub for several centuries.
The local community gathers regularly for book readings and writing events in independent bookshops and cafés throughout the year. Residents use the many public squares and gardens as meeting spaces, while traditional pubs and tearooms serve as gathering points for all generations.
The center is easy to explore on foot, with pedestrian streets linking the main landmarks, while buses run regularly to neighborhoods farther out. The covered market opens most days and offers local produce and craft goods, while many small shops hide along narrow lanes away from the main roads.
The city preserves over 30 medieval churches within its boundaries, more than any other in northern Europe. Many of these churches were converted in recent years to unusual uses, including art galleries, climbing centers, and music venues open to visitors.
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