Pictures of York Minster

a Historic Building in the town of York, in the county of North Yorkshire

The famous view of York Minster from City Walls, York

About York Minster

This is one of the most magnificent cathedral's in Europe, if not the world. It's sheer size and beauty leaves the visitor breathless with wonder at the might and majesty of this centuries old building, and the overwhelmingly beautiful treasures within which include more than 100 stained glass windows spanning a period of over 900 years.

The Minster stands on the site of a former wooden church of Saxon times. The present building, seemingly dominating the whole of York, was started by Archbishop Walter de Grey, early in the 13th century. The great church measures 524 feet long and around 249 feet wide across the transepts. Its massive central tower, rising to 234 feet was finally completed 250 years after building began. The stone exterior of the church is awesome, and inside at every turn something fresh and magical greets the eye. Entering through the nave's west door, the second window on the left contains glass that is thought to be some of the oldest in England, possibly dating from around 1150, and you can only gaze in wonder at the stark beauty of the stone choir screen carved with England's ruling monarch's from the time of William I to Henry VI.

In the late 1960's a serious weakness was detected at the base of the 20,000 ton central tower. During the restoration project a rich variance of archaeological treasure was discovered, these included carved Saxon stones and Roman walls. The Minster's Undercroft forms perhaps the most fascinating part of anyone's visit to the church for it is used as a museum telling in full the remarkable story of the whole of York Minster's history.

One of the most delightful things about York Minster is that despite the daily constant stream of visitors flowing through its doors and the commercialism brought about by modernity, the Minster in all its grandeur still manages to possess a blessed serenity leaving you in no doubt that at the core of the building beats the heart of a church dedicated to the glory and worship of God.

York Minster is an uplifting experience and an essential part of any visit to the City of York.

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Nearby travel help

York Station	(1.1 miles, 1.8 km, direction SW)
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Leeds Bradford International Airport	(25.2 miles, 40.6 km, direction W)
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