Chichester Cathedral — Attraction in Chichester

Chichester Cathedral is a stunning Norman edifice that seamlessly blends historical grandeur with contemporary touches. As a place of worship for the Church of England, it offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere that is welcoming to all.

One of the cathedral's most striking features is the beautiful Marc Chagall stained glass window, which adds a splash of vibrant color and modern artistry to the ancient stone structure. This window alone is worth the visit, as it brilliantly captures Chagall's unique style and vision.

The cathedral offers free guided tours, which are highly recommended. The knowledgeable and friendly guides provide fascinating insights into the cathedral's rich history, architectural features, and the various artworks housed within. Their passion and expertise greatly enhance the visitor experience.

For those looking to relax and enjoy some refreshments, the cathedral's cafe offers a delightful selection of food and beverages. The ambiance is perfect for a leisurely break, and the quality of the offerings is excellent.

Additionally, the gift shop is a treasure trove of unique items and souvenirs. Whether you're looking for a meaningful keepsake or a special gift, the shop provides a wonderful selection of books, jewelry, and other items that reflect the cathedral's heritage and beauty.

Overall, Chichester Cathedral is a must-visit destination. It combines historical significance, artistic beauty, and warm hospitality, making it a place that leaves a lasting impression on...

A very fine and beautiful Cathedral - it is easy to see why peregrine falcons often nest here. There have been limited external additions down the centuries, so it seems to retain a fair amount of its original setting. There is a cloister and bell tower and clergy accommodation and a school still standing nearby - only the first of these is readily open to the public, although one may walk through some of the lanes to reach the Cathedral itself. Internally there are monuments from all ages so far of the Cathedral's history - and before, if one includes the Roman mosaic on partial view.

There is a good restaurant in the cloister (good value without being cheap, clean, good service) and a modest Cathedral Shop. The Cathedral Guides are similarly friendly and unobtrusive. The Cathedral has a fine tradition of art patronage, as seen in (for examples) the St Richard statue outside by the bell tower, the Chagall window, and the Anglo-German tapestry for the shrine/ altar. There are also often temporary art exhibitions - small, but usually good and (intentionally) provocative of reflection. There is also plenty of time space and quiet to pray. Entrance is free, but donations are...

The modern touches are not all my cup of tea, but in the context of the recent history of the cathedral and it's senior clergy, they are nonetheless really important. We paid a small fee for a guided tour and would say that of all the cathedral tours we've had, this was perhaps one of the best delivered, and most illuminating. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the modern art and artefacts which feature throughout the main areas of the church. That did help to explain why they were there and their significance, which did in turn make them more interesting and perhaps a little less incongruous alongside their ancient surroundings. I did like the modern font and the painting next to it. That said, the highlights for me were the older ones. The medieval panel paintings, the 12th century reliefs, the fabulous cloisters and the separate bell tower, which is unique to Chichester. The snippet remains of a Roman mosaic floor get you in the mood for the Novium Museum, Fishbourne Palace and Bignor. The cathedral is right in the centre of town and is easily accessible from the railway and bus stations. It has a good cafe, which is...