Considering the great antiquity of the site on which it stands and the exalted status of Winchester in English history and Christendom, your first impression of Winchester Cathedral may not match your expectations. Oh, the grounds around it are pleasant and spacious enough, but from the normal approaches, the building itself is somewhat unassuming. There are no great towers to dominate its surroundings and no great mass to suggest its importance.

But, those impressions will fade away, instantly, as you walk inside. Your entry point will be through the west front doors into the church nave, where you will see the finest example of the medieval architect's skill. Graceful marble columns and beautifully vaulted ceilings enclose Europe's longest gothic church (566 ft.) and provide the final resting place for one of the country's greatest writers, Winchester's most important bishops and many of England's Anglo Saxon and Danish kings and queens.

To see the wonders that this magnificent building has to offer the visitor, take our tour of the cathedral by clicking the link below.

Next Stop: The Deanery