Durham Cathedral
A Romanesque masterpiece and World Heritage Site above the River Wear.
Durham Cathedral stands on a rocky peninsula above a loop of the River Wear, next to Durham Castle. Construction began in 1093 under Bishop William of St-Calais, and most of the Norman church was finished by 1133. Its nave has some of the earliest surviving pointed rib vaults, and with the castle it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
The cathedral was built to house the shrine of St Cuthbert, and the Galilee Chapel holds the tomb of the Venerable Bede, so it has drawn pilgrims for more than 900 years. Today it is a working church with daily services. Visitors can also explore its cloisters and museum, or climb the central tower for views over the city.
Highlights
- Shrine of St Cuthbert
- Tomb of the Venerable Bede in the Galilee Chapel
- Early Norman rib-vaulted nave
- Central tower climb of 325 steps