Westminster Abbey in London (Westminster Abbey Church)
The legendary world of the British royal family
There are few places in the world that manage to shake the heart and inspire their visitors like Westminster Abbey.
The Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an architectural marvel and a magnificent piece of history in the heart of the city of London. The iconic church, whose spaces are steeped in over a thousand years of tradition, has hosted countless coronations, royal weddings and national events that have shaped the face of the British nation. The last coronation, by the way, There was the coronation of King Charles held in the magnificent abbey in May 2023.
So let's go back in time, and dive into the world of the magnificent monastery:
The story of Westminster Abbey:
Westminster Abbey, a magnificent Gothic church considered one of the most popular sites in the city of London, has a rich history spanning a thousand years.
The story of the monastery begins somewhere in 960 AD, when a group of monks set up a small and modest monastery in the place. Almost a hundred years later, King Edward the Confessor, then King of England, began to build a large church on the site, which was consecrated in 1065. Edward's goal was to create a royal burial church, and he himself was buried there after his death in 1066. The small monastery was awarded For publicity and honor when William I (William the Conqueror), who reigned after Edward's death, chose Westminster Abbey as the place of his coronation. Since then, the tradition has continued and Westminster Abbey is the coronation site of all the kings of England and Great Britain.
During the hundreds of years of its existence, the monastery underwent various reconstructions and expansions. In the 13th century, King Henry III decided to rebuild the church in a magnificent Gothic style, in a project that lasted for many years, and in the 18th century magnificent iconic towers were added to the tower.
Westminster Abbey is closely associated with the British royal family, and has served as the wedding venue for many of the royal family, including the beloved royal couple William and Kate Middleton, who were married in the church in 2011. Many kings are buried in the abbey alongside powerful British influencers such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.
Today, Westminster Abbey is one of the symbols of the British kingdom, and it represents the splendor and majesty of the revered British royal family. The spectacular site attracts millions of visitors every year who come to admire its amazing architecture, learn about the glorious past and experience the magical atmosphere of the place.
Westminster Abbey- What not to miss
Admire the Gothic architecture:
Before you even enter the church, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking facade of the monastery. The Gothic structure you're envisioning dates back to the 13th century, and contains intricate sculptures, towering spiers, and colorful stained glass windows.
The Nave and the Grave of the Unknown Warrior:
The visit to the interior of the magnificent church should begin in its magnificent entrance space, called the nave of the church. The nave is actually the central space in the church, and the nave of Westminster Abbey contains breathtaking ceilings with magnificent intricate stonework.
Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, a poignant memorial to British martyrs who lost their lives in the First World War and whose names were not known.
In the nave of the church you will find monuments to prominent historical figures, which reinforce the deep ties between the ancient monastery and the British people and its important people.
Coronation Chair:
One of the highlights of the visit to the church is viewing the magnificent coronation chair, on which sat many kings who were crowned inside the church, the last of which is King Charles. It is actually an ancient wooden chair, in which King Edward, King of England between the years 1042-1066, was crowned for the first time. Since then, the magnificent chair has been the star of every coronation ceremony - you sit on it a "simple" person from the royal family, and you become a king. Although you will not be able to sit on the chair yourself, you will definitely be able to observe it and fall in love.
The Royal Tombs
Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of 17 British monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth I and the famous Mary Queen of Scots. A visit to the church will take you to the magnificent tombs of the kings and queens of England, decorated with intricate carvings and magnificent statues. In addition to the graves of the British royal family, you can find the graves of other prominent figures who changed the face of the British nation, such as Charles Darwin, "the father of the theory of evolution", and Isaac Newton, one of the greatest and most influential scientists in history.
Poets' Corner
Inside the spectacular church you'll find Poets' Corner, an iconic monument dedicated to commemorating some of Britain's most revered poets, playwrights and writers.
The commemoration tradition began in 1556, when Geoffrey Chaucer, "the father of English literature", was laid to rest in the monastery. Since Chaucer's burial, a practice began in the abbey of commemorating literary figures next to his grave.
Over the years, many poets, playwrights and authors have been buried or commemorated in the Poets' Corner in the monastery. There you will find monuments commemorating William Shakespeare, Samuel Johnson, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and many more, who, although not all are buried in the monastery, receive memorial plaques symbolizing their influence on British literature and culture.
Lady Chapel
The Lady's Chapel will take you on a fascinating and wonderful journey in its heavenly beauty. The Old Chapel, also known as the Henry VII Chapel, is an architectural gem with an intricate ceiling and mesmerizing stained glass windows. Henry VII, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots are buried there.
The Cloisters
Cloisters are a popular element that can be found in many monasteries around the world. It is actually a square building in the center of which is The cloisters of Westminster Abbey were built in the 13th century, and served as a place of meditation, reflection and exercise for the monks who lived in the ancient monastery.
When visiting the monastery you can walk around the cloister area, admire the fine stonework, the colorful stained glass windows and the peaceful atmosphere in the place.
Near the cloister you will find the Chapter House, an ancient building that was used as a meeting place for the monks of the monastery, where they discussed the management of the monastery and recited holy laws. In this space you will find an impressive decorated ceiling and ancient pillars.
On the walls of the space you will find frescoes from the Middle Ages, which include spectacular scenes from the life of Jesus.
A visit to the cloister and chapter house will take you to the peaceful part of the magnificent monastery, and will provide an authentic and interesting experience for your visit there.
The colorful stained glass windows of the church
Westminster Abbey - important details:
Location and directions: Westminster Abbey, located in the Westminster neighborhood in the heart of London, is easily accessible by public transport from parts of the city.
The nearest underground station is Westminster station, which is about a 2-minute walk from the monastery. You can also take bus lines 11, 24, 88, 148 and 211 that stop nearby.
שעות פתיחה: Westminster Abbey is open to visitors Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday is open to worshipers only. Opening hours vary from season to season, so it is recommended to check the updated opening hours on the monastery's website.
The entrance ticket to the monastery includes an audio guide in English that will tell you about the history of the monastery and provide you with information about the monastery spaces and their exhibits.
Tips for a successful visit to the monastery:
Plan ahead: Westminster Abbey is an active religious site, so its opening hours change from time to time as well as important events that take place there. Before the visit, it is recommended to check the updated opening hours and the events taking place there and prepare accordingly.
Arrive early and order tickets in advance: Perhaps the most important tip. Westminster Abbey is one of the most popular places to visit in London, and the queues for it can be very long. Order tickets in advance and thus avoid long standing in the box office lines. Also, arrive close to the monastery's opening time, thus guaranteeing quick entry and a relatively peaceful and quiet experience.
Use the audio guide: The entrance ticket includes a personal audio guide in English, which provides fascinating insights and stories about the various attractions inside the monastery, helping visitors to better appreciate the history and significance of this iconic site. Don't miss the fascinating audio guide that will accompany the visit to the monastery in the best possible way.
Allow enough time To visit: Westminster Abbey is a huge and complex abbey with many areas to explore. So that you have time to see everything that the magnificent monastery has to offer, allocate at least two hours to visit the site.
Take a guided tour: Many guided tours are held at Westminster Abbey, which will take you deeper into the fascinating history of the monastery and the important events that took place and are still taking place there. The duration of the tour varies from tour to tour, and it is recommended to order the tour tickets in advance.
Visit the monastery store: Don't forget to stop at the monastery shop before you leave the spectacular site. In the store, you can find a variety of souvenirs that will forever commemorate the visit to the iconic site.
Combine the visit with nearby attractions: The magnificent monastery is located in the heart of the Westminster neighborhood in London, which contains a large number of attractions and sites worth visiting. Combine a visit to Westminster Abbey with a visit to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Churchill's War Rooms.
In conclusion, if you are still not convinced that you should visit Westminster Abbey, then we should try one last time. This iconic church offers its visitors a fascinating journey through time, where history, architecture and the world of legends intertwine. A visit to the spectacular abbey is an opportunity to dive into the history of the British monarchy, in the place where the beloved Queen Elizabeth was crowned or the new King Charles, in the place where everything happens. So whether you are history buffs, hopeless romantics or a family looking for a unique experience in the city of London, don't miss a visit to Westminster Abbey.
