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Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church

Canterbury, England, England
18.07.2022

Canterbury, located in the county of Kent in southeast England, is a city steeped in rich history and cultural significance. At the heart of this charming city lies three magnificent religious structures - the Cathedral, Abbey of St. Augustin, and St. Martin's Church, collectively known as the Kathedrale, Abtei St. Augustin und St. Martins-Kirche.

The Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the oldest and most famous of the three buildings. It was founded in 597 AD by St. Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, and is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England. This stunning Gothic structure is known for its intricate architecture, including the famous Bell Harry Tower, and its rich collection of art and artifacts, including the tomb of King Henry IV and the medieval stained glass windows.

Next to the cathedral is the Abbey of St. Augustin, which was founded in the 7th century and is the burial place of St. Augustine. It is a peaceful and serene place, perfect for reflection and contemplation. The abbey also houses a museum with artifacts dating back to Roman times, providing a glimpse into the city's early history.

The third building, St. Martin's Church, is the oldest parish church in England and dates back to the 6th century. It was here that St. Augustine established his first place of worship, making it a significant site in the history of Christianity in England. The church has undergone several renovations over the centuries, but still retains its original Saxon tower and many medieval features.

Together, these three structures form the spiritual heart of Canterbury, attracting visitors from all over the world. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or religion, a visit to the Kathedrale, Abtei St. Augustin und St. Martins-Kirche is a must for anyone traveling to Canterbury. Immerse yourself in the beauty and grandeur of these buildings, and discover the centuries of history and tradition that they hold within their walls.


Canterbury, in Kent, has been the seat of the spiritual head of the Church of England for nearly five centuries. Canterbury's other important monuments are the modest Church of St Martin, the oldest church in England; the ruins of the Abbey of St Augustine, a reminder of the saint's evangelizing role in the Heptarchy from 597; and Christ Church Cathedral, a breathtaking mixture of Romanesque and Perpendicular Gothic, where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170.

Canterbury Cathedral is the cathedral of the archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England and symbolic leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Located in Canterbury, Kent, it is one of the oldest Christian structures in England and forms part of a World Heritage Site. Its formal title is the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ, Canterbury.Founded in 597, the cathedral was completely rebuilt between 1070 and 1077. The east end was greatly enlarged at the beginning of the 12th century, and largely rebuilt in the Gothic style following a fire in 1174, with significant eastward extensions to accommodate the flow of pilgrims visiting the shrine of Thomas Becket, the archbishop who was murdered in the cathedral in 1170. The Norman nave and transepts survived until the late 14th century, when they were demolished to make way for the present structures.

Before the English Reformation, the cathedral was part of a Benedictine monastic community known as Christ Church, Canterbury, as well as being the seat of the archbishop.

wikipedia.org