Winchester Cathedral
Winchester is located in southeast England in the county of Hampshire. As with most cities and areas in the country, there are many historical elements that contribute to the contemporary atmosphere and social orientation. Historically, Winchester has been something of a cathedral town, and the architecture is incredible and testifies its incredible history. Many of the Winchester hotels are situated in historic buildings and this contributes to their guests sense of the city’s time transcendence and past.
The Winchester Cathedral is one of its central landmarks and major attractions for tourists. This incredible building complex is the longest Gothic cathedral in Europe. Incredibly, it was built in 1079 and has stood strong through many wars and social transitions. It houses the remains of some of England’s most significant figures including that of many of the Anglo Saxon Monarchs and a number of Bishops of Winchester. One of the more mainstream persons whose remains rest here are that of writer Jane Austen. In addition, the cathedral has served as a major pilgrimage destination and was the home of the shrine to Saint Swithun. There is an historical pilgrims way that begins in Winchester and ends in Canterbury.
The sacred designation of this site dates back prior to the cathedral’s official construction beginnings. It was officially founded in the middle of the 7th century, though this actual site was adjacent to it current location. This early version was known as the Old Minister and in 971 it was included as part of a monastic settlement. The Old Minister was demolished with the construction of this Norman complex. William II is one of the early monarchs to be buried in the cathedral’s mortuary, along with his brother Richard, the Duke of Bernay. Tourists are amazed with its size and grandeur and flock to this historic wonder every year.
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