Follow the sound of the bells and discover York’s biggest attraction: York Minster, one of the tallest cathedrals in Europe and the highest building in the city. If you find yourself lost in this charming medieval quarter or while walking along the lengthy walls, just look for its towers to guide you.
This magnificent cathedral dating back to the 13th century is considered one of the most beautiful in the world and is definitely worth a visit. It’s a Gothic structure and is the second-largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, after Cologne’s cathedral. It also holds quite a few interesting secrets.
York Minster is the cathedral of the Diocese of York and the seat of its archbishop, which is the second most important in the Church of England. Its full name is “The Cathedral and Metropolitan Church of St Peter in York.”
At the western end, don’t miss the “Great West Window.” Its unique stained glass, called the “Heart of Yorkshire,” has a romantic legend attached to it: couples who kiss beneath it will stay together for life. Be careful if you’re uncertain about your relationship!
Continuing around the massive building, you’ll find the famous rose window on the south side. This glass, dating back to around 1500, commemorates the union of the royal houses of York and Lancaster. Behind the high altar, you’ll see the Great East Window, the largest polychrome stained glass window in the world.
The nave, constructed between 1291 and 1350 in Gothic style, is the widest in England and has a wooden roof that’s painted to look like stone. The side aisles, however, do have actual stone vaults.
Throughout the day, you’ll hear the York Minster bells ringing several times. The northwest tower holds six bells that chime every quarter-hour from eight in the morning to eight at night. Additionally, the tower houses the “Great Peter” bell, which rings every hour and during the Sunday service at 10 a.m.
The Chapter House of York Minster is remarkable for its size and unique shape. It’s one of the largest octagonal rooms and notably lacks a central pillar to support the roof. The room is adorned with numerous sculptures of heads, but no two are identical.
Entrance to York Minster costs £15 for adults (£5 for children) if you want to climb the tower. A visit to just the cathedral costs £10 (free for children) and is included with the York Pass tourist pass.
Don’t miss out on the wonders of York Minster and make the most of your visit to this fairytale city.