This is the interior of the Norman cathedral in Durham (UK). It was built in the last quarter of the 11th century by the Normans soon after they conquered England in 1066. It is a magnificent, monumental Romanesque cathedral with one of the earliest cross-ribbed gothic vaults in Europe. St. Cuthbert was originally buried in Lindisfarne on the holy Island on the western coast of England but, after the monastery there was destroyed by pagan Vikings surviving monks decided to transfer the body of their beloved Saint to a safer place and eventually settled in Durham. After the Norman invasion a separate prince-bishopric was established here, ruled by Prince-bishops of Durham. This semi-independent border realm between England and Scotland never formed part of the kingdom of England and even the English King and Queen had to officially ask local bishop for permission if they wished to enter his land. In medieval period the cathedral was a major pilgrimage site (among other relics buried within was the head of St. Oswald and the body of venerable Bede) and a centre of learning which eventually developed into the third oldest university in England.
Ps. Masons and architects working in Durham were most probably later involved also in the building of the ‘Viking’ cathedral in Kirkwall
I am glad you like it! Durham really is an amazing place, not just cathedral but the whole city; with its students, university, castle, two medieval bridges, city walls, cloisters, chapels and churches all out together on one narrow peninsula... honestly its one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I am sure you would make some great photos there! Thank you very much for the comment! I really appreciate it!
Thank YOU for your comment. Talking about most beautiful places... I might be a bit biased (just a tad) but you really have to come and see Esslingen :-D
You are lucky. When I visited Durham cathedral they said that no photography was allowed. All I managed to get from that visit was a shot from one of the cloisters.
Unfortunately photos are not allowed inside. Since owners of the cathedral do not charge for entrance they prohibit photos in order to sell more postcards and guides. Once a year, however there is a ‘photo day’ when cathedral is closed to the public but those who pay small fee (around 10-15 £ if I remember correctly) are allowed to make photographs inside. I studied in Durham for 4 years so I eventually I managed to visit the cathedral during one of such days. Anyway thanks for taking your time to comment – honestly Durham is just amazing, it is definitely among 5 most beautiful places I have ever been to. Thanks again!
Thank you very very much! I didn't realise they did events for photographers. I will definitely inquire into this some more as it is a magnificent place.
I am glad you think so! Durham is the best preserved Norman cathedral in the UK. In general The North of England has a very speific touch to it and I prefer it to most of the 'southern' English monuments. Thank you for taking your time to comment! I really appreciate it Thanks again!
Talking about most beautiful places... I might be a bit biased (just a tad) but you really have to come and see Esslingen :-D