Overview:

The Winchester Cathedral is an ancient and iconic Gothic-style cathedral located in the historic city of Winchester in the county of Hampshire in the south of England. The cathedral is known for its many historical associations with kings and royalty in England, and is one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, having been built over nine centuries ago, between 1079 and 1093. It holds a series of stained glass windows, many of which are from the 13th and 14th centuries. The Winchester Cathedral is also home to many ancient monuments, including the tombs of King Alfred the Great and his wife, Queen Elthryth. The cathedral also contains one of the oldest pipe organs in England, which dates back to the 15th century. The Winchester Cathedral is a popular tourist destination in the United Kingdom, with over 800,000 visitors annually. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in United-Kingdom
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic design: The Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest and most beautiful gothic cathedrals in England. The walls and ceilings of the Cathedral are decorated with fine gothic details, including flying buttresses, intricate tracery, and the exquisite fan-vaulted ceiling. 2. The Great Hall: This majestic chamber was used by the Kings and Queens of England for important ceremonies and crownings. Constructed in the 1300s and remodeled over the years, The Great Hall is now one of the few surviving medieval buildings in the United Kingdom. 3. Crypt: The crypt beneath the Winchester Cathedral is said to be Europe’s longest crypt, and one of the most intricately designed. It contains the tombs of ancient Saxon kings and famous writers like Jane Austen. 4. West Window: This window is considered among the finest surviving examples of early stained glass in England and it dates back to the 14th century. The original design pays homage to the beauty of medieval art and it still manages to amaze onlookers with its vibrant hues and intricate details. 5. Reredos: This impressive example of early Baroque architecture was added in the 17th century. It was originally commissioned by Mary I as a gift to her father, Henry VIII. The reredos features beautifully painted statues of Jesus and other religious figures. This national monument of United-Kingdom portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Winchester Cathedral has been a landmark of the city of Winchester since the 11th century. It is the longest church in Europe, and was originally built to become a house for the cult of the Holy Trinity. The origins of the Winchester Cathedral date back to the 7th century when St Birinus, an Italian Benedictine Monk, brought Christianity to the area. However, it wasn't until the 11th century that Bishop Walkelin began construction of what would become the largest Gothic Cathedral in Europe. Walkelin demolished the old church that was on the site and began laying the foundation for the current building in 1079. Over the next several centuries, construction of the building continued as various additions and features were added. Some of these included a family chapel, a library, and two towers on the west façade. The completion of the cathedral was acknowledged in 1413 when the Bishop forbade any more alterations or additions to the building. During this time, the Cathedral was second only to York Minster in size. Over the years, the Cathedral has undergone various restorations and renovations, which have seen the front doors and the windows replaced and the Great Hall floor re-built. During World War II, the Cathedral narrowly escaped destruction when a German bomb struck the Church of St Giles without causing any major damage to the Cathedral. In 1988, Winchester Cathedral was honored as a World Heritage Site. This acknowledgement of its historical significance ensures that this wonderful church will continue to be an integral part of the Winchester community for centuries to come. You must visit one of these historical places in United-Kingdom on your United-Kingdom tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Winchester is the longest Gothic cathedral in Europe. Completed in 1093, it is an impressive sight, measuring 154m in length. 2. The daughter of King Alfred the Great founded the cathedral in 648. She chose the site to house the shrine of St. Swithun, a beloved bishop who lived in Ecclesiastical Winchester. 3. During World War II, the Saxon Cathedral was used by the Ministry of War Transport as a command post. 4. Its 185ft high spire is one of the tallest in Great Britain. 5. In 1912, the American rifle magnate, Oliver Winchester, donated $100,000 to build a tower in honor of his late father-in-law and namesake, after visiting the Cathedral. 6. It houses the oldest working clock in all of England which was installed in 1386. 7. The beautiful stained glass windows are thought to be the finest sets in Europe. 8. It was originally constructed from the local, yellow-amber stone called "Winchester Bed'. 9. The oldest structure on the site is the popular, round transept from 1093. 10. Among the many tombs, monuments, and memorials, is a memorial to some of those shot down on D-Day. Visit one of the famous monuments of United-Kingdom with your friends and family.