Durham Directory  Attractions
Attractions within Durham City and the historic County of Durham in the North East of England
Historic Buildings in Durham |
Durham Cathedral sits proudly above the historic city of Durham and is regarded by some as the most beautiful cathedral in the entire world. Visitors from across the globe flock to Durham Cathedral each year to marvel at the historic seat of the Bishop of Durham. Stunning architecture and historical events are as one within this stunning attraction that is high on anyones list of places to visit in the North east of England.
The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, which is almost always referred to as Durham Cathedral, in the city of Durham, County Durham, North East England, was founded in AD 1093 and remains a centre for Christian worship today. It is generally regarded as one of the finest examples of a Norman cathedral in Europe and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with nearby Durham Castle, which faces it across Palace Green, high above the River Wear.
The Cathedral houses the shrine and related treasures of Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, a 7th century saint, and these are on public view. It is also home to the head of St Oswald of Northumbria and the remains of the Venerable Bede. One can also climb the 325 steps to the top of the 66 m tall tower, from where an outstanding view of Durham and the surrounding area can be enjoyed.
There are regular services sung by the cathedral choir. Except for Mondays, and certain vacations, the choir sing every day.
The bishops of Durham were very powerful prince-bishops up to the mid-19th century. The seat of Bishop of Durham is still the fourth most significant in the Church of England hierarchy, and signposts for the modern day County Durham are nowadays subtitled "Land of the Prince Bishops." |
