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Church · Canterbury, Inglaterra
St Martin's Church
The oldest church in continuous use in the English-speaking world, where Queen Bertha of Kent worshipped before Augustine's arrival in 597. Part of Canterbury's World Heritage.
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 Martin's Church
A igreja de São Martinho is on a hill east of Canterbury city centre and is considered the oldest church in the English-speaking world still in use. Parts of the chancel walls are made of Roman brick, and the church already existed when Agostinho arrived in Kent in 597. It was used by Queen Berta, a Frankish princess and Christian married to King Etelberto, and it was there that Agostinho and his monks began to preach.
The building is small and simple, with stone walls and reused Roman bricks, a 14th-century tower and an ancient baptismal font that, by tradition, is said to have been used at King Etelberto's baptism. The church still holds regular services and is maintained by volunteers.
Around it is a tree-lined cemetery on a slope, from where Bell Harry, the cathedral tower, can be seen above the roofs. Together with the cathedral and the Abadia de Santo Agostinho, the church forms the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Canterbury.
Opening hours are limited and depend on volunteers; check the website before you go. The cemetery can be visited even when the church is closed.
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
20 to 30 minutes.
Best time
At the opening times shown on the website, generally on some days of the week. Combine with the Abadia de Santo Agostinho, about 5 minutes away.
How to get there
It is on North Holmes Road, about a 10-minute walk from the cathedral, passing the Abadia de Santo Agostinho.
Tip
Walk up through the cemetery to the church door and look back: from there you can see the cathedral tower, a view that shows the three World Heritage sites at once.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St Martin's Church
Why is the igreja de São Martinho important?
It is considered the oldest church in continuous use in the English-speaking world and already existed when Agostinho arrived in 597.
Is the church open every day?
No. Opening times depend on volunteers; check the website before you go.
Is it far from the cathedral?
No, about a 10-minute walk, passing the Abadia de Santo Agostinho.