The Cathedral of Light - Visiting the model of Ken Follett's Kingsbridge Cathedral in The Pillars of Earth
 |
| The 4th dimension: reflections on the baptesimal font |
Salisbury Cathedral is famous for its beautiful gothic architecture, with its Britain's tallest spire.
Salisbury Cathedral is famous for its history: possessing the original Magna Carta in its Chapter House.
And it is famous for its religious importance: for over 750 years pilgrims have come to Salisbury from all over Europe.
The Cathedral Church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an Anglican cathedral in Salisbury, situated in England in the region of Wiltshire, an hour and a half by bus from Bournemouth low cost airport or from London Airports.
 |
| Salisbury Cathedral, its tower is the highest building in Salisbury, a beautiful medieval town in the South of England |
We visited this church to discover what Ken Follett found so special in Salisbury's Cathedral to choose it for his bestseller The Pillars of Earth as one of the two models for his Kingsbridge Cathedral. (scroll down to continue reading)
 |
| Through the large windows the light exalts the wonderful gothic architecture of Salisbury Cathedral. Note the fantastic effects of light on the ceiling. |
 |
| Facade: game of lines #1 - Salisbury Cathedral |
Salisbury Cathedral is situated in the centre of the historic city of Salisbury.
The actual city was not established until 1220.
The first Salisbury Cathedral was built on the hill by St Bishop Osmund between 1075 and 1092. A larger building was built on the same site circa 1120. However, deteriorating relations between the clergy and the military at Old Sarum led to the decision to re-site the cathedral elsewhere.
Salisbury Cathedral was founded on a great meadow called 'Myrifield' and today the Cathedral is till surrounded by a large green and protective walls that enclose all the religious complex.
So the Cathedral of Salisbury today, although it is situated in the town center is surrounded by the countryside (if you visit the Cathedral take time to do the walk along the river to enjoy wonderful views of the Cathedral).
 |
| Facade: game of lines #2 - Salisbury Cathedral |
It is special to admire the Cathedral from outside and it is as much amazing to visit it inside.
What makes the Cathedral of Salisbury so special inside?
We found the Cathedral Fountain a wonderful feature of this church.
As you see in the photos of this post the font developed from a square footprint, cruciform in shape, create a fourth dimension in the architecture of the Cathedral, we think is amazing and we absolutely recommend you to take time to admire it!
It's that all?
No, there is much more to see.
Admire the oldest clock in the world!
 |
| Salisbury Cathedral - Interior |
The Salisbury cathedral clock dates about AD 1386.
The clock has no face because all clocks of that date rang out the hours on a bell.
Even more amazingly the clock was discovered in 1929, in an attic of the cathedral.
It was repaired and restored to working order in 1956.
That's all?
No again!
Admire the stained windows, the pillars, the ceiling, the statues and you will feel back in Middle Age or maybe in the best chapters of Ken Follett's The Pillars of Earth.
Do you want to visit the other model of Ken Follett's Kingsbridge Cathedral in The Pillars of Earth?
Visit Bath Cathedral and you can continue your travel on The Pillars of Earth. Click here to visit Bath Cathedral.
Are you planning your travel in Great Britain?
Visit our pages Visit England and Visit Scotland to plan your journey.
Are you interested to visit more wonderful Cathedrals in the world?
Visit our pages Visit England and Visit Scotland to plan your journey.
Are you interested to visit more wonderful Cathedrals in the world?
We recommend Exeter Cathedral in England and Nantes Cathedral in France!
 |
| The knight's rest - Salisbury Cathedral - (Eternal in this light!) |
Visit Bath Cathedral and you can continue your travel on Ken Follet's The Pillars of Earth. Click here to visit Bath Cathedral.
Are you planning your travel in Great Britain?
Are you interested to visit more wonderful Cathedrals in the world?
We recommend Nantes Cathedral! Click here to visit Nantes Cathedral