Things to see in York in England: the castle and the cathedral

It is the ancient Eboracum of the Romans, it is the door of the North and of that hibernic world with which today it forms a savory whole. York is one of the most beautiful cities inEngland. Turreted village, with perfectly preserved walls, its walls hide many secrets. There is an ancient past, an everlasting grace and a host of modern surprises to make the city a perfect mix for a few days visit to the capital of Yorkshire. Things to see in York are plentiful and the city, easily accessible from Leeds and from Leeds Bradford International Airport it is unique. After all, how many cities can be said to insist on the foundations of one Roman fortress and a vital Viking settlement? How many countries have been, at the same time, the focus of the Norman conquest and of English civil war? York can tell and it’s all true! And the many things to see are proof of this.

Meanwhile, a few numbers: for several hundred years, York was the second largest city in England, crucially positioned between rivers Ouse And Foss. “Tha ‘, Love!”, Thanks darling !, walking through the cobbled streets of the medieval The Shambles – the heart of the alleys of the city dotted with half-timbered houses – or climbing the old city walls, you can savor the proud Northern accent but also to feel the story unfolding before your eyes. Every time you dig even a few meters, a piece of history emerges and comes to the surface.

Things to see in York: the cathedral

Among the many things to visit in York, the attention of visitors first and foremost is the extraordinary York Minsterthe most great gothic cathedral of Northern Europe. Its spiers and two bell towers soar to infuse the city with a silvery mystery at night and a special charm during the day, marking the city’s skyline at any time. His history is very ancient and goes back to monks who converted the inhabitants of the surrounding countryside to Christianity.

We are at the dawn of Christianity, when theEngland it was still called Britannia, the Angles and Saxons had not yet arrived and here we thought in English but then we still wrote in Latin. The first church in York was traditionally dedicated to Saint Peter. The bishops of York rose rapidly and even sat on the council of Arles in 314 AD After this, little is known until 627 AD, when the oldest documented church must have been made of wood and was built here for the baptism of the King Edwin of Northumbria. Subsequent Saxon and Norman constructions and additions were destroyed and the current cathedral was built in the Gothic style in the 13th century. Spectacular is the central Tower medieval of York Minster: this is the highest point in the city and requires a climb of 275 steps. An effort amply rewarded both because it allows you to admire the pinnacles and gargoyles of the cathedral up close, and because, once you reach the top, it offers a splendid view of the Old Town of York.

Things to see in York: the treasures

Among the things not to be missed in the “minster” of York, mark, first of all, the mighty ones stained glass windows. In grisaille those of the transepts, the leaded and multicolored glasses are all the technicolor of the Middle Ages. In particular there is the window “del Pellegrino”To capture the attention: it dates back to about 1312 and rests on a splendid one dragon head to tell of Peter surrounded by pilgrims. The rear band, then, represents, with all medieval allegories, a series of animals, from the baboon that treats a sick monkey, to the fox that preaches to a rooster. Among the things to see in York and its cathedral is also of great interest treasure, with its interactive galleries that tell the story of the building, from its Roman roots to today. Exposure includes beyond twothousand years of artifacts found nearby which provide an insight into the important role of the cathedral over the centuries. With a little luck and patience, you can also admire some of the manuscripts kept in the ancient library, such as the sixteenth century Book of Hours “Bolton”- a collection of prayers – masterfully illuminated.

Things to see in York: the walls and the “bars”

However, the walls are the real “crown” of the city. Spectacular is the walk, of almost 5 km, which allows you to go through them almost in their entirety. Sometimes the walkway is a little wider than a few meters, in other points it widens giving way to the imposing ones, “bar”The buttresses of the city. Outside, green meadows and the view that is lost among the Yorkshire dales, the green hills of the area. Inside all the swarming of the town. The current walls dates back to the century. XIV and has incorporated some of the original Roman structures of the city. Four of the old gates have been preserved: Walmgate Bar, Monk Bar and Bootham Bar they also have original latches and latches. Characteristic for its three horsemen is Micklegate Bar. The stretch of walls between Bootham Bar And Monk Bar offers one of the best views of York Minster.

Things to see in York: welcome Vikings

To understand how the arrival of the Scandinavian populations has changed the structure of this slice ofEnglandbetter known as Northumbriaone of the things to see in York is the Jorvik Viking Center of Coppergate which documents the daily life of Vikings in Yorkshire in the 9th century. The site includes reconstructions of Viking dwellings and medieval shops and is built over the remains of millenary wooden houses. The museum also hosts on-site and off-site re-enactments, as well as opportunities for young and old to dress up and play with Vikings as happens in some places in the Norway. Looting excluded, of course.

Between the York watchtowersfirst of all there is the Clifford’s Tower. Construction started by William the Conqueror, reminiscent of a French castle and is one of the “must see” things to see in York. It is located between Fishergate and the Skeldergate bridge and is the highlight of the York Castle, built in wood by the tenacious hands of Norman engineering since 1068, two years after the landing across the Channel. The remaining part that can be visited even today is the oldest made of stone and dates back to the century. XIII, when in place of the wooden fortress, the building was named in honor of Roger de Cliffordhere executed in 1322 as leader of the party of the Lancaster. Today, the castle is famous for its breathtaking views and in the museum it offers an interesting “insight” to understand the “way of life” English. Among the things to see in York and in the castle museum here Kirkgateperfect reproduction of a victorian street, complete with shops. Toy Stories, on the other hand, is a story of children’s toys; The Cells is an area of ​​the museum that speaks for itself and makes us understand what life was like for the stumps in theancient England.

Things to see in York: trellis and history

Regained freedom and the city, here are the shady ones medieval alleys paved with ancient stone. This is the beating heart of York and this is one of the best reasons to visit the ancient Eboracum. Then comes the time to stop in various pubs shaky and in the picturesque tea rooms. Modernity has also brought noisier music venues within the walls, to alternate past and future. Guinness, Kilkenny – as a Dublin – and rock – like a London – they alternate in the hours of leisure to be spent in the Shambles, the alleys of the historic center, punctuated by the black and white of the half-timbered houses. Plural name but unique charm, this 14th century thoroughfare is one of York’s must-sees. In ancient times it was known as “The Great Flesh Shambles”For its numerous butchers and stalls: the meat hooks are still visible outside many display cases.

Things to see in York: breakfast at Bettys

Between international pubs and restaurantscafes and boulangeries such as a Paris York lacks nothing. However, there is a culinary institution for which the city is known to the world and has made a greedy contribution to world gastronomy. Bettys tea house it is one of the addresses not to be missed on a visit to York. Whether for breakfast, for a lunch or for the more classic, indeed legendary, tea of ​​17sit at one of the tables, it’s worth the trip. Scones, tea and jamsin addition to sandwiches and sympathy will be the worthy crowning for having gone so far north, to the borders of a world of stones, history and green hills that bewitched the Romans centuries ago and still today all of us.