Motivations to Check out Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral has a long and storied history without a doubt. It is one of the most well-known architectural structures in the whole of England, having been immortalized in song, literature, and the consciousness of the British people for centuries. It is hardly surprising that Canterbury has been a very important destination for a thousand years or more, and to this day it is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists . Heritage. Along with the close by St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s church, Canterbury Cathedral is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consequently it is a superb location for any person with an affinity for bygone times, from the casual fancy of an everyday tourist to the specialized interests of the skilled historian. Canterbury has functioned as the seat for the Christian church in England since Pope Gregory the Great sent a mission to the Anglo-Saxon peoples. The man picked out to steer this mission, St. Augustine, founded the cathedral at Canterbury in the year 602 AD and became its first archbishop. The original building is no longer standing, having been rebuilt almost fully early in the Norman age. The design and style of the current cathedral mostly dates back to the 1077 dedication. Under the guidance of Archbishop St. Anselm from 1093 to 1109, the choir spot at the eastern end was greatly enlarged and a tremendous and ornate crypt constructed below it. Through the long history of Canterbury Cathedral the church has seen baptisms, weddings, and burials of some of England’s most famed royals, and also its share of scandals and assassinations. Art. Naturally, when one thinks of Cathedrals and artwork the first thing to pop into your head is the ornate stained glass windows that are so common. And although the stained glass windows of Canterbury are lovely and, in some cases, seven or eight hundred years old, the artistic worth the Cathedral encompasses much much more. There are complex carvings and paintings to appreciate and in a sense, the entire building is a thing of beauty. The medieval constructors of these ornate types of Cathedrals were the creme de la creme, and they were all trying to create a church that would astound and impress visitors. With the possible exception of particular palaces owed to the most wealthy of nobles, cathedrals were the biggest and most ornate structures in the western world. Music. The modern Canterbury Cathedral takes great pride in its musical programs. It has a professional choir of twelve members: four basses, four tenors, and four countertenors. The Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral comprise of a collection of thirty boys whose ages range from eight to thirteen. The Cathedral maintains all of its musicians to the highest of standards, and the audition process is quite unique. Concert events and occasions presenting other choral groups and orchestras are held at Canterbury Cathedral, giving a lofty atmosphere to any musical piece. Discover more information about Canterbury Cathedral