Canterbury is a city in the southeast of England, located in the county of Kent, only 89 km from London, the population is about 45 thousand people. The Great Tower River flows through the city and divides into two branches in the southeastern part. One of the arms surrounds the city along the contour of the ancient fortress wall (the ruins of which have partially survived to this day), and the other crosses it through.
Nowadays, Canterbury is a city that is steadily developing and is not deprived of the attention of tourists. The city is divided into five districts: the historical part of the city is located in the central part, nightclubs and pubs in the northern and western parts, restaurants and shops in the eastern and southern parts.
And (girls, hold on) famous actor Orlando Bloom was born in Canterbury.
A LITTLE HISTORY
The territory on which the modern city is located was inhabited in prehistoric times. Archaeologists found tools here, dating back to the Lower Paleolithic era, dishes made in the Stone and Bronze Ages. The first mentions of settlements in these places refer to the period when the territory of Kent was inhabited by the British Cantiaci (Cantiaci). Their main settlement, captured in the 1st century AD, was located on the site of the modern city. there are. by the Romans According to other sources, these lands came under the rule of the Gallic tribe Belgaia.
The Romans rebuilt the city and gave it the name Durnovernum Cantiacorum, which means "fortress of the Kantians in the alder grove". A rectangular scheme of the road and street network was implemented, a temple, a theater, public baths and a forum - an open space in the center of the city - were built. Stone mansions were inhabited by wealthy townspeople, while wooden houses were built for the poor. At the end of the 3rd century, the Romans surrounded the city with a fortress wall to protect it from barbarian raids. After the end of the Roman occupation at the beginning of the 5th century, the city was emptied. During the next century, an Anglo-Saxon settlement gradually emerged outside the city walls. The town was renamed Kentwaraburgh, "the fortress of the people of Kent".
WEATHER
Canterbury has a typical English climate with fairly warm winters and cool, rainy summers. The main role in the formation of weather conditions is played by the warm air formed over the Gulf Stream. The average temperature in winter is + 4.3 ° C, in summer + 16.7 ° C. Compared to other areas of England, the weather here is much milder and more stable.
HOW TO GET
The best way to get to Canterbury is via London. There are several daily flights from Moscow to London by S7, Aeroflot, United Airlines, British Airways and BMI. Flight time - 4 hours.
There is an excellent railway connection from London to Canterbury. Trains depart from Victoria and Charing Cross stations. Since 2009, high-speed trains have been running on the route Canterbury - Ashford International - London (St. Pancras station), the journey time is only one hour.
HOTELS
It will not be difficult to solve the problem with accommodation - in Canterbury and its surroundings there are quite a lot of campsites and hotels that offer apartments for every taste and budget. There are 4 campsites not far from the city, the number of hotels in the city and beyond is about 70.
The cost of an overnight stay in a campsite will cost from 6.3 to 24.5 GBP, in a city hotel - about 40-70 GBP. You can stay not only in comfort, but also in luxury at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge - a wonderful hotel on the territory of the Cathedral. Here, a day's stay will cost from 85 GBP.
ENTERTAINMENT AND SIGHTS
Canterbury is very rich in architectural monuments. In the historical part of the city, many medieval buildings have been preserved, buildings that have turned into ruins are of no less interest. The main attraction of the city is Canterbury Cathedral, built in the early Gothic style in the 15th century on the site of the old cathedral. The oldest part of the cathedral, the Norman crypt, was built in the 13th century under Thomas Becket.
Archbishop Thomas Becket clashed with King Henry II and was assassinated in 1170 by knights seeking to gain the ruler's favor. After this event, Thomas began to be revered as a saint, and a pilgrimage to his burial place began, described in Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" - the first English work written in prose.
King Henry IV, his wife Anne of Navarre and the Black Prince - an outstanding military leader of the Hundred Years' War - are buried in Canterbury Cathedral.
Not far from the cathedral is the Roman Museum, the main highlight of which is one of the most beautiful mosaic floors. We also recommend a visit to the Elizabeth I Reception House on the High Street, the way to which is through the majestic gates of Christ Church. After crossing the bridge over the River Stour, you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the 16th century - the Tudor-style houses are located in the area.
Another no less interesting sight is the church of St. Martin, the oldest in the city. It was founded in the 6th century by Queen Bertha of Kent as a private chapel. During the construction of the church, fragments of ancient buildings - Spolom - were used. In fact, the church was restored: Bertha ordered the construction of a temple after the departure of the Romans from Britain. Later, a Gothic-style tower was added to the church. In 1988, the church was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
Canterbury has many cafes and restaurants offering traditional English and Scottish cuisine. You can simply have a snack in the cozy Duck Inn cafe, and the most pathetic restaurant in the city, called Michael Caines Restaurant at Abode, will help you relax.
In addition to establishments with national cuisine, the city has many cafes offering Chinese, Thai, Indian, North African, Spanish, Italian and French cuisine.
