Ely Cathedral

Ely Cathedral

The official name of Ely Cathedral is the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Ely. It is located in the town of Ely in Cambridgeshire, England, and serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Ely in the Church of England.

The history of the cathedral dates back to the year 630, when it was originally founded by the famous Queen of Northumbria, Etheldreda. She had been married twice but was determined to pursue her calling as a nun. In 673, she established a monastery, and due to her virtuous deeds, after her death she was revered as a saint, and the monastery soon became a center of pilgrimage. The cathedral’s majestic black silhouette overlooks the entire town of Ely. It stretches 163.7 meters in length and reaches 66 meters in height. The current structure was built between 1083 and 1375. Because the surrounding land is flat, the distinctive tower of the cathedral has been nicknamed by locals as “the ship of the Fens.” As a local landmark, the cathedral is deeply cherished by residents.

This cathedral is a fine example of Romanesque architecture, characterized by its massive pillars and round arches. Its interior features a painted ceiling, stained glass windows, marble floors, and numerous sculptures. The cathedral also houses a unique Stained Glass Museum.

Ely Cathedral

Must-visit reason: The most prominent landmark in the town of Ely

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

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

Province/State where the attraction is located: Cambridgeshire [Cambridgeshire]