What to see in Canterbury, the most beautiful medieval town in England?

One of the most charming towns you can visit in a Travel to England es Canterbury, located at south east london, on the route to Dover.

For visit Canterbury, it is not essential that you plan a trip through the south of england, but you can consider a day trip during a london sightseeing tour.

This is made easier because this nice medieval town It is located just 90 kilometers south of the English capital.

If instead of going on your own you prefer to sign up for an excursion in an organized group with guide in spanish, here you have the information of the Canterbury tour from London,

With a duration of 10 hours, in addition to visit Canterbury, on this excursion you will also be able to see Leeds Castle and the Dover cliffs.

Curiosities of Canterbury history

The origins of Canterbury They date back to the occupation of the Romans, when it was called Durovernum Cantiacorum, although there had already been population settlements during prehistoric times.

Located on the shores of River Stour, a key milestone in the canterbury history was the arrival at the end of the 7th century of Saint Augustine sent by Pope of Rome to carry out the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity.

From that moment Canterbury became the religious center of England. which has marked its history to this day.

The best things to see and do when visiting Canterbury

A good example of what has been said is that, currently, the great attraction that Canterbury for visitors it is its imposing cathedraldeclared Heritage awarded by the Unesco.

canterbury cathedral

The current canterbury cathedral It was built from the year 1070, in English Gothic style, on the remains of a first church.

During the medieval period the cathedral became an important pilgrimage center.

Currently, the Archbishop of Canterbury supports the title of head of the Church of england and the spiritual leader of the Anglican community in the world.

But you visit to Canterbury It should not only be limited to its historic cathedral.

You will discover the great charm of this beautiful town during the walk along the main street of the town, the so-called Mercery Lane.

There you can feel the atmosphere of a real medieval village, with the characteristics half-timbered houses and stone houses.

Christ Church Gate in Canterbury

The most prominent corner of this Mercery Lane is, without a doubt, the so-called Christ Church Gatea great monumental door which gives you access to the garden area where the cathedral is located.

Located right in front of the square Buttermarket Square, Christ Church Gate It was built in 1517 in memory of the Prince Arthurolder brother of Henry VIII who had died in 1502, and whose death caused the latter to become king of england.

As you can see, the Christ Church Gate It has a great decoration carved on the stone.

This porch, an excellent example of the norman architecture, as we can see it now, is the result of several successive changes made after its original construction.

Thus, the original figure of Christ It was destroyed in 1642, at the time of Cromwell, so that the bronze figure that we can see today only dates back to 1991.

Also, original towers They were demolished in 1830, and rebuilt again in 1937; A few years before, all the carvings and their decoration had been completely restored.

These profound reforms do not prevent you from Christ Church Gate de Canterbury You have an unmistakable feeling of reliving medieval times.

By the way, be sure to pay attention to the two large wooden doors, of different sizes, which are profusely decorated.

West Gate Museum in Canterbury

On your walk through the medieval street Mercery Lane You will also be able to see other corners, such as the West Gate Museum, the only one of the medieval doors that still remain in Canterbury.

Located at the northeast entrance of the street, it was used as a prison and currently houses a museum with a collection of weapons.

St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury

En Canterbury you can also visit the remains of the ancient St. Augustine Abbey, which was built in the year 597 when he arrived as an emissary of the Pope.

Next to them you can also see vestiges of the St Pancras Church, from the 7th century, built with bricks used by the Romans on the remains of an ancient pagan temple.

And as a curiosity, on a hill of Canterbury you find the St Martin's Church, which is considered the oldest parish church in England.

Map: where it is and how to get to Canterbury

Canterbury It is located 62 miles southeast of London, and by car it will take an hour and a half to arrive.