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Archaeological site · Canterbury, Inglaterra
St Augustine's Abbey
The ruins of the monastery founded by Augustine in 598, outside Canterbury's walls, with the graves of the early archbishops and the kings of Kent. In the care of English Heritage and part of the World Heritage Site.
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 St Augustine's Abbey
The Abadia de Santo Agostinho was founded in 598 by Augustine, the monk sent from Rome to convert the Anglo-Saxons, with the support of King Æthelberht of Kent. It stood outside Canterbury's walls because Roman tradition held burials should be outside the city, and it served as the burial place of the early archbishops and the kings of Kent. It operated for almost a thousand years, until it was closed by Henry VIII in 1538.
Of the monastery's churches and buildings only the foundations and parts of the walls remain, spread across a large lawn. You can identify the Norman church, with its crypt, and beneath it the remains of earlier Anglo-Saxon churches, including the rotunda of Abbot Wulfric from the 11th century. The graves of Augustine and other archbishops are marked on the ground. After the dissolution, part of the monastery became Henry VIII's royal palace.
A small museum at the entrance displays objects found in the excavations, and the audio guide explains the different phases. The abbey is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the cathedral and the Igreja de São Martinho. The Fyndon Gate, a gate from 1309, still stands on Monastery Street.
The site usually opens on some days of the week and reduces hours in winter; check the English Heritage website.
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
45 minutes to 1 hour, with the audio guide.
Best time
On dry days, in the morning or afternoon, since the visit is outdoors. Check opening days, which vary by season.
How to get there
It is on Longport, about a 5-minute walk from the cathedral, exiting via the east gate of the walls. From Canterbury East station it's about a 15-minute walk.
Tip
Do the cathedral, Abadia de Santo Agostinho and the Igreja de São Martinho in sequence — the three World Heritage sites — all within a 15-minute walk of each other.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St Augustine's Abbey
Who was Agostinho of Canterbury?
The monk sent by Pope Gregório Magno in 597 to convert the Anglo-Saxons. He was the first Archbishop of Canterbury.
What remains of the abadia?
Foundations and walls of the Norman and Anglo-Saxon churches, the graves marked in the floor and the Fyndon Gate, from 1309.
Is the abadia open every day?
Not always; opening times change with the season. Check the English Heritage website.