Good Reasons to Go to Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral has a lengthy and storied background without a doubt. It is one of the most well-known structures in the whole of England, having been immortalized in song, books, and the consciousness of the British people for centuries. It is no real surprise that Canterbury has been an extremely significant area for a thousand years or more, plus to this day it is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists . History. Along with the nearby St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s church, Canterbury Cathedral is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That way it is a wonderful location for any person with an affinity for the past, from the casual fancy of an ordinary tourist to the unique interests of the expert historian. Canterbury has served as the seat for the Christian church in England since Pope Gregory the Great sent a mission to the Anglo-Saxon peoples. The man selected to direct this mission, St. Augustine, founded the cathedral at Canterbury in the year 602 AD and was its first archbishop. The initial design is no longer standing, having been reconstructed almost totally early in the Norman period. The design of the current cathedral generally dates to the 1077 dedication. Under the guidance of Archbishop St. Anselm from 1093 to 1109, the choir section at the eastern end was considerably increased and a huge and ornate crypt crafted under it. Throughout the long history of Canterbury Cathedral the church has seen baptisms, weddings, and burials of a few of England’s most renowned royals, and also its share of scandals and assassinations. Art. Naturally, when one thinks of Cathedrals and artwork the very first thing to spring to mind is the ornate stained glass works that are so common. And while the stained glass windows of Canterbury are beautiful and, in some instances, seven or eight hundred years old, the artistic worth the Cathedral encompasses much much more. There are delicate carvings and paintings to treasure and in a sense, the overall building is a a thing of beauty. The medieval constructors of these ornate types of Cathedrals were the the very best, and they were all hoping to construct a church that would astound and amaze visitors. With the possible exception of specific palaces belonging to the wealthiest of nobles, cathedrals were the biggest and most ornate structures in the western world. Music. The contemporary Canterbury Cathedral takes great delight 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 group of thirty boys whose ages vary from eight to thirteen. The Cathedral holds all of its musicians to the highest of standards, and the audition process is quite exclusive. Shows and activities featuring other choral groups and orchestras are held at Canterbury Cathedral, giving a lofty atmosphere to any musical piece. Learn more info about Canterbury Cathedral
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