CANTERBURY – Why is this city important, but you have never heard of it?
Which city is the first appearing in your mind when someone says the United Kingdom? London? Maybe Manchester or Liverpool, if you’re a fan of the local football clubs. My mind wanders to Canterbury. Where is it? Why do more than 1 million tourists from all over the world visit this city every year? I invite you to discover the secrets of this place, where I’ve spent 17 months of my life.
Canterbury is a city located in the middle of south-eastern England called Kent. It was inhabited since the prehistoric ages, and Celtic Tribes and Romans had their settlements here, too. The first sanctuary and monastery were built in 597 thanks to the monk, who was sent by the pope to bring Christianity to this ground. He landed here and became the first archbishop of Canterbury. The city became the center of Christianity in England, however, nobody could see that the increase of visitors would rapidly grow in the future.
The sudden popularity of the city increased after the murder of Thomas Becket, the archbishop, who was killed in his cathedral by kings’ knights in 1170. He was canonized and his remains were placed inside the cathedral for many centuries. Canterbury became one of the most notable European cities. Pilgrims from all over Christendom came to visit the place and the tourism development contributed to its expansion.
The cathedral was originally catholic. However, Henry VIII disagreed with the pope in the 16th century. He decided to separate the Church of England from papal authority and became the head of the religion. The cathedral in Canterbury is still the main cathedral of the Church of England. It is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the principal leader of this religion (although the supreme governor is the monarch).
And today? The city is flourishing with life and attracts people from all over the world.
The dominant of the city is still the cathedral. Magnificent, it fascinates people regardless of their faith. Besides tourists, you can meet the local guides – volunteers. They know everything about the cathedral – they can show you the tomb of the prince, describe the architectural elements, reveal the stories which are hidden within the huge stained glass…
The same atmosphere and the magic of the past are felt in the old city center, which used to be surrounded by walls. Their present state consists of a combination of walls built by Romans as well as walls from the 20th century. The main part is from the medieval ages.
The main street is a synthesis of history and modern architecture. Look at the year written on one of the buildings above the river which crosses the main street. 1500 AD. Nowadays, you can find a great restaurant inside this building. It offers European and English cuisine, with the option to sit on the terrace above the river on warm days.
At the end of the main street, there you can find Westgate Gardens, which are great spaces to relax. They were built around the private house in the 19th century and later donated to the city. Colorful flowers are in blossom from spring to autumn and gardens are the favorite place for picnics or a lunch break thanks to the huge well maintained lawns. River, which crosses the gardens, offers boat trips including history lessons and interesting stories about the city in various languages. The same attraction is available on the river crossing the main street. It is a must-do during warm sunny days.
The city is full of souvenir shops, where you can find t-shirts or postcards not only from Canterbury but also from Oxford or London, which is located only about 100 km to the north.
More sightseeing and tourist spots:
- ruins of the castle and monastery founded in 598;
- the Westgate is the largest preserved city gate in England. It used to be a prison, which remains you can find in the museum inside. The top experience is the viewpoint on the roof of the gate.
- the medieval church of Saint Margaret offers storytelling of The Canterbury Tales – the book of the stories which have been told by the pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. The statue of their author Geoffrey Chaucer is located on the main street, facing the Eastbridge Hospital which offered accommodation for poor pilgrims.
- The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is the city library, museum, and art gallery on the main street. It’s one of the most striking buildings a bit different from the ones around, you won’t miss it;
- my favorite spot in the city is Dane John Mound. It is a conical hill located in Dane John Gardens and perfect viewpoint. There is a war memorial erected on the top from where you can have a nice walk along the city walls.
Nonetheless, history isn’t the only motivation for visitors from England and overseas. The modern face of the city isn’t worse in any way than the rest. Marlowe Theatre shining thanks to its modern architecture offers various plays, ballet, concerts, opera as well as performances for the kids. The library situated near the city walls won a prestigious architecture award.
Two universities which are located in the city accept students from various countries. You can see not only tourist groups and school trips on the street but also people from different cultures. They also call this place home.
Various festivals take place in the city annually. The most popular are the Canterbury Festival, Food and Drinks Festival, and City Sound Project.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CANTERBURY
- Did you know Canterbury is the birthplace of actor Orlando Bloom? The actor still visits the city and his favorite restaurant is Cafe des Amis right next to the Westgate and West Gardens.
- Did you know one part of the city is called King’s Mile? It consists of a couple of streets along the cathedral walls and a local college. It keeps its original historical English architecture and you can find independent local shops here, selling handmade gifts, clothes, jewelry, and also popular bars and restaurants. The house, where 4 king’s knights met before they killed the archbishop is located here as well.
- Did you know the second most photographed attraction in the city is The Crooked House? It looks like it’ll fall on the side any day now, but it keeps its form for centuries. Currently, there are two floors of a bookshop inside, where you can buy second-hand books. Revenue from the shop is given to charity supporting the homeless people.
- Did you know that students of one of the local universities are allowed to visit the cathedral anytime they want without paying the entrance fee? The reason behind this is that the Church of England established this university (called Canterbury Christ Church University). Don’t be mistaken, the study programs and overall atmosphere don’t seem to be religious schools at all. Students from all over the world are accepted regardless of their faith. Another bonus of this cooperation is that the graduation of the students is taking place in the cathedral. This day is an unforgettable experience for the families and for the students, who walk down the aisle in the graduation gown with the diploma in their hands.
- Did you know the residents living within the 4 miles (6.44 km) of the cathedral tower, people working in the old city of Canterbury, or who fall under a few more conditions are eligible to have free entry as well? They just need to fill out the online form and wait for the pretty small card with the picture of the cathedral on one side and their name on the other.
- Did you know that the Church of St Martin located in Canterbury is the church with the longest continuous history as a parish church in the English-speaking world? It is a very ancient church, often recognized as the first church founded in England (6th century). You can visit the weekly service on Sunday or visit the church during its opening hours. It is open for tourists only a few hours some days a week so carefully check its opening hours before your visit.
ONLINE SOURCES
https://www.canterbury.co.uk/ – the official website of the city, it offers information about tourist spots and invitations to the events
https://www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/england/southeast/canterbury – tourism of Great Britain
The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the most visited cities in England. It is important from the religious point of view and paramount to the tourism of this part of the country. The main cathedral of the Church of England and her murdered archbishop has been visited the pilgrims from all over the world for centuries. Beautiful well-preserved city walls, all the places reminding us of the history, gardens, and modern life of the city nowadays attract tourists for day trips or longer stays. The decision to explore this city won’t be regretted.
I hope the article allowed you to discover this city and also understand its importance. If you are craving more pictures, and more of that English vibe, read my Big Guide to London – 3 articles discovering London that you may or may not know…
