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Salisbury Cathedral is a magnificent Gothic style building dating from 1220 and surrounded by many buildings of great character in The Close. The Cathedral is constructed in limestone from a local quarry, and 15,000 tonnes of Purbeck marble were required for the shafts, bases and columns.

The majority of cathedrals took centuries to construct and as a result usually embrace several architectural styles. The main parts of Salisbury Cathedral were built in just 38 years.

Salisbury Cathedral's spire stands some 404 feet high and was a later addition, completed in 1315. It is the world's tallest medieval structure, and remarkably, stands on foundations that are only 4 feet deep. Scheduled yours climb the 332 steps of the tower to some spectacular views.

The Cloisters at Salisbury were built from 1240 - 1270, and at 190 feet long are the largest in England. The Chapter House, built between 1263 - 1283, is one of only 12 medieval Octangonal Chapter Houses in existance. A single central marble column with animal carvings around its base supports the roof.

The Cathedral's windows cover around ﾾ of an acre, and most of them date from the middle of the 19th Century. There are 6 windows with some medieval glass in them.

Salisbury Cathedral is also home to the best surviving copy of the Magna Carta, the agreement made between King John and his barons in 1215, which established that no free man may be imprisoned or prosecuted without fair trail before his equals. This basic principle is incorporated into the Constitution of the United States of America.

The Salisbury Cathedral website has some fascinating information covering every aspect of the building's history, construction, and most importantly as a place of worship.

Attractions near Salisbury Cathedral include Salisbury, Mompesson House at Salisbury, Old George Mall near Salisbury, Cross Keys Shopping Centre at Salisbury, The Medieval Hall near Salisbury, Wilton House at Salisbury, Wilton Shopping Village near Salisbury.