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Church · Salisbury, Inglaterra
Salisbury Cathedral
The Gothic cathedral built between 1220 and 1258, with the tallest spire in the United Kingdom, the mechanical clock that has been operating since the 14th century and one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta from 1215.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Salisbury Cathedral
La Catedral de Salisbury was built in just under 40 years, from 1220 to 1258, which gave it a rare unity of style among English cathedrals: it is entirely in early English Gothic. The tower and spire were added in the 14th century, and the spire, at about 123 metres, is the tallest in the United Kingdom. The cathedral stands in the middle of a large lawn, the Cathedral Close, the largest cathedral precinct in Britain, surrounded by houses from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
In the octagonal chapter house, with a central column and friezes of Old Testament scenes, one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta of 1215 is on display—the agreement between King João and the barons that limited the monarch’s power and is considered a foundation of constitutional law. It is the best-preserved copy.
In the nave there is an iron mechanical clock, without a dial, dating from about 1386, considered one of the oldest working clocks in the world. The baptismal font, modern, is a reflecting pool that mirrors the windows and the vault. The cloister is the largest in England.
Guided tower tours climb 332 steps to the base of the spire, passing over the vault and showing the medieval wooden structure and the view across the plain. The cathedral asks for a donation at the entrance and the tower requires a ticket.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1h30 to 2 hours for the cathedral, the chapter house and the cloister. The tower climb takes about 1h45.
Best time
In the morning, on a weekday. The chapter house may be closed at some times; check ahead. The Evensong service in the late afternoon allows you to hear the choir. Tower visits have limited places and scheduled times.
How to get there
It is in the centre of Salisbury, about a 15-minute walk from the train station and 5 minutes from the market square. Old Sarum is about 3 km to the north, and Stonehenge roughly 15 km away.
Tip
See the Magna Carta early, when the chapter house is quiet. For a photo of the whole cathedral with the spire, walk to the meadows by the riverside, west of the precinct—the view John Constable painted.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Salisbury Cathedral
Is the original Magna Carta in Salisbury?
Yes, one of the four original 1215 copies that survived is on display in the cathedral’s chapter house.
How tall is the spire?
About 123 metres, the tallest in the United Kingdom.
Can you go up the tower?
Yes, with a guided visit at a scheduled time, climbing 332 steps to the base of the spire.
Does the cathedral charge an entry fee?
The cathedral asks for a donation at the entrance; the tower climb requires a ticket. Check in advance.