Canterbury is England's spiritual capital and one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. All thanks to the famous Gothic cathedral, which is the seat of the Anglican Primate of the Church of England.
The history of Canterbury dates back to Roman times, when there was a settlement here with a military garrison, baths and a market square. At the end of the 6th century, St. Augustine, who began to convert the local people to Christianity. It was thanks to him that in 598 the monastery of St. Augustine, of which only ruins have survived to this day.
The monastery and the parish church of St. Martin are considered the first Christian buildings in England, and Canterbury itself is the cradle of Christianity on the island. At the beginning of the 7th century, St. Augustine also initiated the construction of the cathedral, which is today Canterbury's greatest attraction.
The Canterbury Cathedral, which we can see today, is nothing like a building from the 7th century. Its present, gothic appearance is due to reconstructions that finally ended at the beginning of the 16th century. In the Middle Ages, the church was the sanctuary of St. Thomas Beckett, who was murdered here, but after Henry VIII severed his ties with Rome, the sanctuary was destroyed. The Cathedral Crypts are currently the oldest part of the temple.
Canterbury's three most important churches are on the UNESCO list. But the city also has many other beautiful places. On the River Stour there are historic half-timbered houses, the most famous of which is the House of Weavers. The medieval layout of the buildings with narrow streets and stone houses has been preserved in the city center. Cruises on the River Stour from the Weavers' House to the picturesque Stour Westgate Gardens are a popular attraction.
