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Church · Manchester, Inglaterra
Manchester Cathedral
The Gothic Cathedral of Manchester, from the 15th century, with the widest nave in England, choir stalls carved with medieval figures and modern stained glass that replaced those destroyed in the war.
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 Manchester Cathedral
The Catedral de Manchester is in the city centre, near the banks of the River Irwell. It began as a parish and collegiate church in the 15th century, in the Perpendicular Gothic style, and became a cathedral in 1847 when Manchester gained a bishop. The facade was rebuilt in the 19th century, but the interior retains much of the medieval structure, and the nave, with double side aisles, is considered the widest in England.
The choir stalls, carved wood dating to around 1500, are among the best preserved in the country. Beneath the folding seats, the misericords show comic and popular medieval scenes, such as rabbits cooking a huntsman and men playing backgammon. The nave ceiling features wooden musical angels.
A bomb hit the cathedral in 1940 during World War II, destroying the old stained glass; the current 20th-century windows are brightly coloured, including the Janela do Fogo, which recalls the bombing. In 1996 the cathedral was damaged again by a city-centre bomb blast and was subsequently restored.
The cathedral usually does not charge an entrance fee but accepts donations. Beside it is Chetham's Library, of 1653, the oldest public library in the English language still in operation, where Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels studied; guided visits are by reservation.
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 30 minutes to 1 hour; an extra hour if visiting Chetham's Library.
Best time
In the morning on weekdays. Check the times of services and concerts. Chetham's Library runs visits at set times.
How to get there
It is on Victoria Street in central Manchester, about a 5-minute walk from Manchester Victoria station and the Exchange Square tram stop.
Tip
Look for the misericords under the choir seats and the wooden musical angels on the ceiling. Book the visit to Chetham's Library next door to see the table where Marx and Engels studied.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Manchester Cathedral
What to see at the Catedral de Manchester?
The choir stalls of around 1500, with carved misericords, the musical angels on the ceiling and the modern stained-glass windows, such as the Fire Window.
Does the cathedral charge an entry fee?
It is usually free, with a suggested donation. Check before you go.
What is Chetham's Library?
The oldest public library in the English language still in operation, dating from 1653, next to the cathedral, where Marx and Engels studied.