Canterbury

Canterbury is a beautiful historic city with a population of almost 131000 and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Its medieval centre is full of picturesque streets, nice little shops and cosy restaurants and cafes.

It is England's most famous cathedral city, situated in the South East of the country. The status of cathedral city in England and Wales was traditionally given by the British monarch to a small group of towns with diocesan cathedrals.

Canterbury is also famous for the Canterbury Tales - a collection of stories written by an important English author, Geoffrey Chaucer, in the 14th century. These tales are stories told by pilgrims on a pilgrimage from London to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral.

There are many attractions in this small city, the most interesting are: the World Heritage site of Canterbury Cathedral, St Martin's Church and the West Gate, a fortified medieval gatehouse. It's also a nice idea to take a walk along the city walls and explore the narrow medieval streets such as Mercery Lane. Visiting the Roman Museum, built around the ruins of a Roman Townhouse, is interesting too.

Today visitors from all over the world come to visit Canterbury, not only because it has kept its old charm with the ancient buildings, shops and restaurants, but also because it's lively and very cosmopolitan. I went to Canterbury last year and I really enjoyed it. Virginia Woolf, the English novelist and essay writer, said that 'There is no lovelier place in the world...and I have seen Venice too.' Well, maybe it's a little bit exaggerated but Canterbury is really lovely! It's worthwhile going to see it!