What is your favourite cathedral and why?

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turnupthefader@reddit

Not a single post about Lichfield. Truly a beaut 😍

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dudeiamjustvibing@reddit

Lichfield is a stunner, I had to kill an hour in Lichfield once so took a walk up and tbh I’m disappointed I didn’t have longer

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Outrageous_Shake2926@reddit

So many statues. Easy to get to from London, one train an hour from Euston to Trent Valley Station.

I picked up a "Visit Lichfield" travel information leaflet in 2018. In 2024 I was able to visit. Lovely city.

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clemventure@reddit (OP)

Watched a Christmas light show here, what beautiful place

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dudeiamjustvibing@reddit

Outside: Lincoln, York, Canterbury. Inside: Carlisle (bonus points for being free to enter)

Also not a cathedral but Beverley minster is disproportionately beautiful

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Still-Consideration6@reddit

Winchester distant relative saved it and it's my peasant families only claim to fame plus statue in water

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Cold_Table8497@reddit

Stinking Bishop with a Bishop's Finger. Mmmmm

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Vertigo_uk123@reddit

M&S Cornish cove or truffle cheddar is addictive.

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Albert_Herring@reddit

Southwell Minster. For the pepperpots, and the carved oak leaves, and the Bramley apple window.

Outside the UK, Santa Caterina in Siena, maybe

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carguy143@reddit

Cathedral city of course, because it's mature.

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Both Liverpool cathedrals are amazing but the Anglican one is fucking massive (one of the biggest in the world) and has great views. It was also completed relatively recently (1930s I think) so is unusually modern in style while still having all the recognisable traditional cathedral elements. I would recommend visiting if you're ever in the city.

HMs: St Paul's, Ely, and Durham.

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AloneChance0@reddit

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, it's quite unique tbf

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foxfunk@reddit

Mine is the Anglican because I lived opposite it, amazing view out my window.

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iimMrBrightside@reddit

It's nice, but I recommend looking up the early sketches of what the architects originally wanted it to look like (same with the Anglican)

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deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]

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vanadlen@reddit

Same. Incredible building, the stained glass crown looks almost black from the outside but from inside is a real surprise. Unique shape and sort of understated and humble in a way.

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Prior-Beach-3311@reddit

I am Catholic, from Merseyside and had never been into that Cathedral till a few years ago ut had been in the Anglican many times. I was really surprised too, beautiful in a completely different way to most Cathedrals I have been in. Interesting history too.

I still haven't been into the crypt

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vanadlen@reddit

The Anglican is amazing in its own way, the level of detail and craftsmanship alone. It was actually finished AFTER the ‘new’ cathedral! The father of one of my dad’s mates started working on it as a stonemason aged 14 and only ever worked on that one building until he retired.

I think being fairly young, and not strictly religious, the Metropolitan appeals to me in a different way and feels more like a spiritual sanctuary than a church.

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Prior-Beach-3311@reddit

Absolutely, the reason I've been to the Anglican so many times is because I studied are in college and uni so we went on quite a few trips to study the art and architecture and we were told so much about the process and how long it took.

I said I'm Catholic but I should have said I was brought up Catholic, so I agree, it has a spiritual sanctuary feel. But then again I suppose that's what a cathedral or church is designed to be?

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Icy-Outside7284@reddit

It’s my favourite too.

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Drewski811@reddit

Cathedral of St Peter in York. Better known as York Minster.

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Several_Hospital_129@reddit

You beat me to it! We lived in York for a few years, so the Minster will always have a special place in my heart ❤️. It's built on top of a Roman fort, which I think is totally cool 😎 😀.

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Hefty_Tip7383@reddit

The chapter house is amazing, the modern museum unique and historical, the stained glass exceptional.

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D0wnb0at@reddit

That was my first thought too. I’m not a “building” guy, Pisa tower was meh, but York Minster is awe-inspiring.

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Taucher1979@reddit

Gloucester for vibes. Lincoln for awe.

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elhazelenby@reddit

Glasgow Cathedral. You can also visit the Necropolis Cemetery behind it which is really beautiful as well.

Rochester is a lovely cathedral, it's near where I grew up.

I love Durham.

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Etheria_system@reddit

York Minster just because I spent so much time there when I was at university.

I was a Christian back then and went to the church next door (St Michael Le Belfrey) - we used to run summer missions and use the minster to pray, I performed in the choir for the Christmas Carol concert there ever year, I was baptised outside it in a big tub of water and I went to York St John so I had my graduation ceremony there as well.

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DoctorOctagonapus@reddit

I used to be in a choir that sang occasional Evensongs at the minster. Fantastic place to sing in.

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clemventure@reddit (OP)

The city walls in York are cool too 🙏🏼🫶🏻

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Etheria_system@reddit

They are! I do miss living there - by the time I left, I was ready for something bigger (and I got it - moved to London), but it will always hold a special place in my heart. It was great living there in the 00s before the tourist trade became quite as dominant as it is now.

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mrtopbun@reddit

Exeter, the internal ceiling is incredible

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Substantial_Self_939@reddit

Longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in the world, thanks to the lack of a central tower. Pretty but not particularly impressive from the outside, but absolutely magnificent inside.

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IndividualCurious322@reddit

Mine isn't in the UK, it's Koln dome and for two reasons. Firstly, it holds the relics and skulls of the Magi (three wise men) and second, there's a legend that 7 sisters are entombed as foundation sacrafices there.

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Hefty_Tip7383@reddit

I’m sure they’re authentic!

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IndividualCurious322@reddit

The relics or sacrifices? I went in person and asked about the latter, the staff said they didn't have any concrete proof (no pun intended) and weren't familiar with the story so we talked about how "ensouling" buildings used to be a thing, and still was in some places until modern times.

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SeasonReasonable4282@reddit

Winchester Cathedral. It is the only Cathedral with a statue of a deep sea diver inside it.

https://www.amusingplanet.com/2021/02/william-walker-man-who-saved-winchester.html

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Stevebwrw@reddit

I have visited a few. Both Liverpool Cathedrals are stunning as is York Minster. My favourite is Lincoln Cathedral. I had a great behind the scenes tour there. Looked at the building methods. Brilliant!

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Individual-Gur-7292@reddit

Durham! My college was opposite it and I never got tired of the view.

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ctesibius@reddit

I get the impression that some Norman warlord had a quick word with the architect about how some cathedrals in France had fallen down, and that if he fancied retaining his head he’d better make sure this one didn’t.

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Background-Shape-429@reddit

Special.

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dunloptortexpurple@reddit

It has a lovely pair of knockers.

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Littleleicesterfoxy@reddit

OK I’m going to go with home town bias and say Leicester. It’s not massive and it’s not stunning but it’s mine. And Richard III’s. I think we did him OK.

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Repulsive-Note-112@reddit

Cologne, so much dark gothic vibe.

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accordionshoes@reddit

Lincoln

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BlackJackKetchum@reddit

Since you didn’t specify where, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.

In these parts, Lincoln, St Paul’s and Salisbury.

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rybnickifull@reddit

Our friends had been suggesting for a long time that we visit this wonderful town of Salisbury. The famous Salisbury Cathedral; famous not only in Europe but in the whole world. It’s famous for its 123-meter spire, it’s famous for its clock, one of the first ever created in the world that’s still working.

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neilmac1210@reddit

Greetings Comrade.

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Complex_Adagio7058@reddit

Also the fact that it floats on about 4 foot of gravel foundation above the water table is quite impressive.

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Mc_and_SP@reddit

Ah, yes, the 123m spiral

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clemventure@reddit (OP)

That is magical yes.

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benDB9@reddit

Lincoln. Went to uni there, and when it’s lit up at night it looks incredible.

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Asleep-Software-4160@reddit

I'm not religious, but Lund Cathedral helped me understand how people could be. Standing inside you can just feel the massive weight of stone all around you, keeping the outside out there (it was raining heavily) and you warm and dry in here. Also it smells really good.

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hallerz87@reddit

Sagrada Família. Because it’s amazing

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SheffDus@reddit

Not a cathedral though.

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berkleysquare@reddit

Celtic Park.

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Mikey463@reddit

Madonna Di San Luca in Bologna, Italy. I went to Bologna 15 years ago after going through a rough time, just looked for the cheapest flight for a few days after and went. I went to mass and this cathedral is on top of a massive hill that can take about an hour to walk up. So many people were going to mass walking, it felt very community based. I had no language skills at the time and all the local people were so nice. The cathedral was beautiful and the mass was beautiful. That day will stay with me for a long time.

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Sea-Still5427@reddit

Westminster. On holidays in Europe when I was younger I always noticed how different the churches felt from the ones at home. I'm embarrassed to say I was in my 40s before I realised it was because they were Catholic and I was brought up C of E.

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Alternative-Bee2962@reddit

I live in between Salisbury and Winchester I I love both cathedrals and been so many times and never get bored and especially with Salisbury cathedral

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quite_acceptable_man@reddit

Have you ever read The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett?

It's centred around the building of a fictional cathedral over the course of 100 years but he based it on the building of Salisbury.

Highly recommended, and you'll never look at a cathedral in the same way again - just the fact that these buildings are 1,000 years old and built entirely by hand, taking 100 years or more.

An apprentice stonemason could spend his entire working life on a cathedral and never see it completed.

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Alternative-Bee2962@reddit

Ah I will have a look as sounds like a good book. Salisbury and Winchester cathedral were school trips as they were so close and I love going now still and I am 44. Salisbury is lovely at Christmas and also had some crazy nights out in Salisbury and Winchester back in the day and a bit of culture in the day and a night of drinking 😂😆

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quite_acceptable_man@reddit

It was made into an excellent 8 part TV series as well, with a superb cast, but it would have needed to be about 50 episodes to do the book justice.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1453159/

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Alternative-Bee2962@reddit

Ah thanks and I will have a look for it and have a watch

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clemventure@reddit (OP)

Will I ever be this posh?

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Alternative-Bee2962@reddit

What do you mean? I definitely don't live in a posh town like Winchester or Salisbury and just lucky both are only 20 minutes from my town

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clemventure@reddit (OP)

It was a lighthearted joke…

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Alternative-Bee2962@reddit

Believe me I wish I did and have the money that a lot of people do around my way 🤣 and the village I live in is full of million pound plus homes and I live in a tiny one bedroom council bungalow 😂😆😂

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evelynsmee@reddit

It does have a 123m spire! People come from all over to see it.

Said no-one, suspiciously, ever

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Alternative-Bee2962@reddit

Lol I know a couple of Russians thought the same thing and then look what happened

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ratttertintattertins@reddit

Солсбери! Так замечательно для туризма!

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berrycrunch92@reddit

Extra mature for me

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Crochet-panther@reddit

Lincoln is a lovely cathedral, and magical especially if you can ever get the opportunity to be there at night (I’ve sung there and being ‘backstage’ in the corridors and seeing across the quad in the moonlight feels like going back in time.

Chester is also nice.

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FarComment2369@reddit

Got to be Salisbury Cathedral (St Mary’s)

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DreamingofBouncer@reddit

Lovely spire

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WelshBathBoy@reddit

Wells

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Diddleymaz@reddit

St Davids and Hereford.

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decentlyfair@reddit

Worcester but that is possibly because I am from Worcester and visited many time, my valedictory service was there. So completely biased. Although I like both Liverpool,cathedrals and Durham.

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GrouchyAlps612@reddit

Duomo in Milan, Funchal cathedral and Panagía Kapnikaréa Church in Athens.

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BlamBlamAngryMan@reddit

Ely or Wells. Ely because it dominates the skyline for miles around. It was built to show Norman power supposedly on the grave of Hereward the Wake. Wells because it's stunning and Hot Fuzz.

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Gildor12@reddit

York Minster

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Live_Lifeguard1267@reddit

St. Magnus in Orkney is outstandingly beautiful.

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luxurysocialism@reddit

Lincoln.

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Background-Cap-9047@reddit

Hallgrímskirkja in Iceland. Visited it last year. Amazing

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OrganizationOk5418@reddit

Liverpool Cathedral, (the Cathedral Church of Christ) is one of the biggest in the world. It is the largest religious building and cathedral in Britain and is widely recognized as the fifth-largest cathedral in the world.Beyond its massive overall volume, it holds a few other impressive global records:The Longest: At a total external length of 621 feet (189 meters), it is the longest cathedral in the world.The Heaviest Bells: Its tower houses the highest and heaviest ringing peal of bells globally.Largest Organ: It features the UK’s largest pipe organ, with over 10,200 pipes.

Plus it's just over there; and I exist because my great grandad came from Wales to build it.

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qbnaith@reddit

Winchester, I graduated there so I’ll always have a soft spot

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dewittless@reddit

York Minster.

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slightleee@reddit

Winchester cathedral. We did the roof top tour, fantastic.

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theabominablewonder@reddit

I like Munster. Great clock and hanging cages really add to the vibe.

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Rascalwill@reddit

St Magnus, Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands. A beautiful cathedral. Has a warmth about it too probably because of the red sandstone from which it was built.

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catsaregreat78@reddit

Their Sunday bell ringing is amazing!

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Drummk@reddit

Can't beat St Peter's.

If we are talking UK, St Paul's.

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DrKriegerBot@reddit

Nice try Alan

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Consistent_Aide_7661@reddit

Vandal?

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ActGrouchy5018@reddit

I would have to say, the best cathedral

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dunloptortexpurple@reddit

The best of the Cathedrals.

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Spoon-Fed-Badger@reddit

That you again, Alan?

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TheWyrdSmyth@reddit

Canterbury will always have a special place in my heart, although I adore Southwark as well. I love Cathedrals!

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Psycho_Splodge@reddit

Coventry. Especially since the remodelling in the 40s

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blamordeganis@reddit

Got German contractors in to do the initial prep.

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bahumat42@reddit

The cheese, I mean the buildings can be nice sometimes but I'm not enjoying them multiple times a month.

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VeeMon21@reddit

Gloucester is pretty nice and underrated plus harry potter filmed there. Carlisle is cool because it has no nave and the lindisfarne gospels. Chichester has one of the oldest organs in the UK and again is beautiful.

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Outrageous_Shake2926@reddit

I think it has a separate bell tower.

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clemventure@reddit (OP)

Carlisle has the star roof correct?

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VeeMon21@reddit

Yes. It has a Victorian guilded ceiling. Absolutely mesmerising

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clemventure@reddit (OP)

Try Ely if you haven’t been, that had me in awe.

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VeeMon21@reddit

I was due to go there in 2012 but they cancelled and went to Durham instead

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clemventure@reddit (OP)

Google the Ely octagon

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OddPerspective9833@reddit

Wells is pretty sick. Cologne is my favourite though

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AuroraDF@reddit

Cologne. There is just something so magical about it viewed from the surrounding area.

Also, St Giles. (Edinburgh). Because it's just so typically Scottish and Protestant.

I've never been a church goer and I'm an atheist these days. When I visit Cathdrals full of gold (the sagrada familia comes to mind) the revulsion I feel at the hoarded and proudly displated wealth within, while there are people in the surrounding areas starving, overtakes any admiration for the architecture I might have.

St Giles is not like that.

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MintyPinkDreams@reddit

I love the one in Chester! Going to visit on Saturday for the first time in a few years and really looking forward to it

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Prestigious_Emu6039@reddit

I prefer the small rural medieval churches

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FigureSubstantial970@reddit

Lincoln because I grew up around it so it holds a special place in my heart.

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TSC-99@reddit

City 🧀

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bopeepsheep@reddit

Albi, in southern France. It has fabulous geometric designs inside, with various optical illusions.

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gardenpeasandcarrots@reddit

Gloucester seems the most cohesive to me, it has a warmth and artistry to it. The cloisters are overwhelmingly beautiful. Lincoln is very grand and stately and symmetrical but a bit grey. Ely with its octagonal tower has beauty but feels a bit empty inside. I would like to see the scissor arches at Wells.

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Cold_Table8497@reddit

Rouen. Simply magnificent.

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danjimian@reddit

Agree with this. Amiens is a close second.

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mmoonbelly@reddit

Plus Richard the lionheart’s heart’s buried there.

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Desperate-Cookie3373@reddit

Norwich- the cloisters and bosses are magnificent.

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crumblingruin@reddit

Chichester, because it has the tomb from Philip Larkin's poem An Arundel Tomb, the gravestone of Gustav Holst, and a window by Chagall.

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Appropriate_Sun_7623@reddit

Either of the two in Liverpool, nice to walk between the two distinctly different architectures

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notspringsomnia@reddit

Winchester Cathedral is very underrated but beautiful!

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lardarz@reddit

Durham and Ely cos they both look incredible from the train

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Asaxii@reddit

Probably the Temple of Time in Hyrule’s Market Square.

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nigesoft@reddit

Lincoln city uk 🇬🇧- ww2 Lancaster bomber pilots used it for navigation.

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clemventure@reddit (OP)

Great bit of knowledge I didn’t know many thanks

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Cjt1900@reddit

I love York Minster and Canterbury but Chichester was my uni town and I've spent a lot of time there for various reasons. It's also got the Arundel Tomb which kick started my love for Philip Larkin

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Fancy_Toe1451@reddit

I'm tempted to say "the cheese", but I quite like Chichester. It has a cosy feel. I used to go there when I worked for Butlins over at Bognor in the 90s. There was always something reassuring about Chi's Cathedral.

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Appropriate_Math_136@reddit

It's very cute with its small size and pale stone. Also has the Arundel Tomb, a Chagall window and Roman ruins visible underneath.

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IllustratorNo9988@reddit

Lincoln. Both my daughters graduated there and now live there

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ImThatBitchNoodles@reddit

Ely Cathedral. I lived there for about 9 years and I never got bored driving past it on my way to Tesco.

A piece of art, truly.

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Greeninexile@reddit

Gotta be Ely out of the ones I’ve visited. The Octogon is an insane piece of archictecture!

I’m partial to Truro with it being my hometown but it doesn’t really compare to Ely, Lincoln or Salisbury among others.

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rossburton@reddit

Lived in Truro and Ely, it’s a shame that the Truro cathedral is too new to have large tracts of green space around it as it’s otherwise pretty good. Especially the view when you drop into town from the north.

But the Octogon at Ely? Awesome stuff.

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clemventure@reddit (OP)

Oh my word that centre is incredible. What a beautiful building.

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jecca990@reddit

Agreed! It’s a great day exploring around the Cathedral and castle in Lincoln. I work close to Lincoln and we’re planning to do a cathedral roof tour for a social event in the summer - very excited to see it from a different perspective 😊

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ImThatBitchNoodles@reddit

Ely Cathedral. I lived there for about 9 years and I never got bored driving past it on my way to Tesco.

A piece of art, truly.

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Mammoth-Turnip-3058@reddit

Truro. I've been so many times, mostly as a child on family holidays, so it reminds me of them ❤️

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Kaurblimey@reddit

York Minster

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MagentaPyskie@reddit

Truro cathedral. I went there on a school trip once. Very pretty

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agingbiker@reddit

lincoln, because it's magnificent and i'm from the county, and york because it's in the backdrop of a live railcam feed on youtube that looks over york station. (my excuse is insomnia, but i like watching the sun rise over the cathedral as the 4:40 am departs)

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Character_Ad5286@reddit

Lincoln. Majestic AF.

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clemventure@reddit (OP)

Big hill like

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misterjonesUK@reddit

St Asaph, just because

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