Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is a historic Cathedral located in Canterbury, Kent, England. It is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England and is the mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The cathedral was founded by St. Augustine, a missionary sent to England by Pope Gregory the Great in 597 AD. It has been rebuilt and expanded over the centuries and is now a stunning example of Gothic architecture.

The Cathedral is most famous as the site of the murder of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170. This event led to the Cathedral’s becoming a major site of pilgrimage, and many visitors still come to see Becket’s tomb and other parts of the Cathedral.

The Cathedral also has several notable architectural features, including the Norman Nave and the Gothic Quire. The Quire contains the High Altar, which is the focal point of the Cathedral’s religious services. The Cathedral also has several chapels, including the Chapel of St. Anselm and the Chapel of St. Gabriel.

In addition to its religious significance, the Cathedral also has a strong literary connection as it is the setting for Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales”. Visitors can also explore the Cathedral’s cloisters, which are considered one of the finest surviving examples of medieval monastic cloisters in England.

Overall, Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or religion and it’s an iconic symbol of England’s heritage.