Durham Cathedral, Norman cathedral in Durham, England
Durham Cathedral is a Norman cathedral in the city of Durham in England, spanning 143 meters in length with massive stone columns throughout its interior. The vaulted ceiling system rises 66 meters high and displays the characteristic ribbed pattern of Norman construction.
Construction began in 1093 under Bishop William de St-Calais to house the remains of Saint Cuthbert. The ribbed vaulting was completed in 1135 and introduced a new building method across Europe.
The cathedral houses the tombs of Saint Cuthbert and Saint Bede, drawing thousands of religious pilgrims to this sacred northern English site.
Access is available daily, with guided tours offered in several languages. The interior pathways are mostly level, though some areas are reached only by stairs.
The columns in the nave carry spiral and diamond patterns carved into stone. These decorations were extraordinarily elaborate for their time in the 12th century.
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