Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey is the ruins of a monastery located in Glastonbury, Somerset, England. It is now a Grade I listed historic building in the UK and attracts a large number of visitors year-round as an important cultural heritage site.

Glastonbury Abbey was once the largest and wealthiest monastery in England, serving as a center of early pilgrimage. Many believe that King Arthur is buried among its ruins. Legend has it that Christ visited Glastonbury in his youth and that the Holy Grail is hidden nearby. The abbey was originally built in the 7th century, expanded in the 10th century, destroyed by a great fire in 1184, and rebuilt in the 14th century. At its peak, the abbey controlled much of the surrounding land and became extremely wealthy through the development of Somerset’s major drainage projects.

Since at least the 12th century, the Glastonbury area has been closely associated with the legend of King Arthur, the mythical king of England. Medieval monks firmly believed it to be Avalon, the legendary island and spiritual center of Arthurian lore. In Christian tradition, the abbey was founded in the 1st century by Joseph of Arimathea. Regardless of the historical or legendary accounts, today’s Glastonbury Abbey consists only of ruins that speak of its former grandeur and inspire countless imaginations.

Glastonbury Abbey

Must-visit reason: One of England’s earliest Christian heritage sites

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Britain[Britain]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Somerset County [Somerset County]