Incredible. Just incredible. (York Minster Cathedral)

Member Name: harryuk106

Product:	York Minster Cathedral
Date:	30/11/00 (78 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic, moving, incredible place

Disadvantages: ?... Can get busy... a few features aren't free

York Minster remains categorically my favourite building in the world. Having lived in York for nearly two years now, I make regular visits - not necessarily to services. I wouldn't consider myself to be a particularly religious or Christian person, but there is something about this Cathedral that is deeply moving for me. Built between the 12th and 14th Centuries, thousands of generations have grown up under the shadow of the Minster, the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe. From the crypt and Roman foundations to the largely Norman Central tower, every era has left its mark on this fascinating historic structure. From the outside its majestic stonework architecture dominates the York skyline - from the inside its tall tower and high-roofed transepts adopt a certain serenity - no matter how many times you've seen the numerous intriguing artifacts, memorials, epitaphs and suchlike the Minster always has an appeal as simply being a nice place to be. Having said that, there are so many little features in the Minster that it'd be very hard to have seen them all - the beautiful narrative Stained glass windows, the astronomical clock - there really is a lot to see if you want to be busy, all of which is basically free. However, there are three paid features:

The Foundations, Treasury & Crypt
This is a fascinating museum really, set up under the Minster. You can see the collosal supports that hold the building up, through to the graves of ancient York people - you can view the Treasury, a collection of priceless relics including those found in the graves of ArchBishops - the Crypt is not spooky - there are no skulls or bones. It's basically an ancient chapel underneath the altar. It's quite a long attraction, so you may want to put aside an hour just to look around this one feature.

The Chapter House
Traditionally where the Chapter meet, this is a circular annex to the Minster- the main attraction of which a
re the elaborate incredible narrative stained glass windows.

The Tower
Not so much an attraction of the Minster, but of York - because it's York that you see when you get to the top. The cramped spiral staircase with nearly 300 steps means it's not suitable for the disabled, infirm, or chlaustrophobic, but for those who do manage to get their legs to take them to the top the view is incredible.

The Minster does get crowded in the peak season and around Christmasm, and year-round on Saturdays - but try a weekday afternoon for a quieter experience. Entry is technically free for individuals, not school groups etc, although they appreciate a voluntary donation of £3 - and the paid attractions mentioned earlier cost from between £1.50 to £4. There is also a nice National-Trust style shop selling non-tacky souvenirs. But that is all in relation to it being a tourist attraction. Hopefully if you do visit this wonderful place, you'll be able to see and respect it's value as a place of worship for many local people, a haven of tranquility, and testament to our ancestors and the dedication and love that went into the construction of this incredible place.

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