medieval
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York Minster
York, England
1220-1472
The largest cathedral in England, York Minster incorporates all the stages of English Gothic architecture and contains an impressive collection of medieval stained glass - its largest window is the size of a tennis court.
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Chartres Cathedral
Chartres, France
1140-1260
One of the greatest achievements in the history of architecture, Chartres Cathedral (1140-1260) is almost perfectly preserved in its original medieval design, from innovative Gothic architecture to extensive portal sculptures and stained glass.
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Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough, England
1118-1238
Originally an abbey church, Peterborough Cathedral is a Norman and Gothic building featuring an unusual triple facade, a rare medieval painted ceiling, magnificent fan vaulting, and the tomb of Catherine of Aragon.
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Conques Abbey
Conques, France
c. 1030-1120
Nestled in the hills of southwest France, the picturesque village of Conques is home to a magnificent Romanesque abbey church, rich with sculpture. There is also a medieval treasury.
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Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux Cathedral
Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, France
c. 1120-1220
Constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries over a 6th-century bishop's tomb, Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux Cathedral is a small Provençal Romanesque church containing interesting medieval murals, mosaics, and sculptures.
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Torcello Cathedral
Venice, Italy
639; enlarged 1008
Founded in 639 and rebuilt in 1008, Torcello Cathedral is the oldest church in the Venetian lagoon and the main reason for a visit to Torcello Island. Inside is an important collection of Byzantine mosaics.
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Abbaye aux Dames
Caen, France
1063
The “Ladies' Abbey” in Caen was founded by Queen Mathilda, wife of William the Conqueror, in 1063. Its church, La Trinité, is a fine example of early Norman architecture.
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St. Matthias Abbey
Trier, Germany
1148
This fine 12th-century church, part of an active Benedictine abbey, houses the relics of St. Matthias, the apostle who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. It is still visited by many pilgrims.
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Münster Cathedral
Münster, Germany
Münster's attractive cathedral was built in the Transitional style of the early 13th century. It boasts a porch filled with medieval sculptures, a nave with only two bays, and a magnificent astrological clock.