If you wish to visit a small and beautiful city in West Sussex, we recommend you to check out Chichester that comes with a story, which dates in Ancient times. You probably did not know that Romans were the ones who created the city center, and it has original Roman walls as well.
The best thing about it is that apart from entire Britain, this compact town was never industrialized, which makes it a perfect village to see the historical perspective of England and how to survive the ages.
It features numerous monuments that will provide you breathtaking experience such as Norman architecture as well as parts of medieval art that appear in tombs as well as Cathedral. You should check out a comprehensive guide to Chichester so that you can learn more about it before you decide to visit it.
We decided to present you a brief guide that will help you learn what you should do in Chichester as soon as you step inside:
- Chichester Cathedral
We have mentioned above that the most prominent monument in this particular town is Cathedral that features a combination of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
They started it back in the 11th century, and it was finished during the first eight years of the 12th century, which makes it one of the oldest monuments in England.
At the same time, it is unique when compared with other Cathedrals that you can find in England due to its twin aisles that became campanile.
You will be able to see which parts are utterly original because they feature semi-circular windows arches and openings, which is a common trait of Romanesque architecture.
You can also find numerous fragments that stood the test of time, and they will bring you a completely different perspective on the historical significance of Christianity in this part of the world.
Apart from that, you can also find memorable pieces of medieval artistry because south aisle features 12th-century reliefs that are presenting the story of Lazarus. At the same time, you can find 38 misericords in the choir, which was created in the middle of the 14th century.
In case that you are a fan of Philip Larkin, you should check out 10th Earl of Arundel, which inspired An Arundel Tomb. Have in mind that Gustav Holst, who was a prominent composer, is also laying inside this particular cathedral. By checking here, you can learn more on Chichester in general.
- Pallant House Gallery
Water Hussey decided to leave the considerable collection to Chichester in 1985 when he passed away. His primary condition was for people to display all work of art he had at Pallant House, which is a fantastic townhouse made in Queen Anne style.
After new millennia, a new wing has been added, and the Heritage Lottery Fund funded everything. Have in mind that everything started back in the 20th century, and you can find pieces of Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, John Piper as well as Graham Sutherland.
You can also find various porcelains that came from the 18th century, which is the artistic monument, which is presenting the history of the town in its cultural significance.
- Fishbourne Roman Palace
We have mentioned above that Roman heritage was vital in Chichester since this was the place where they resided. It was the most significant Roman settlement in Britain, and it dates to 75 AD, which is three decades after the Romans conquered entire Britain.
You should have in mind that during the ‘60s of the previous century, the place was excavated and it had the same size as Nero’s Golden House that you can find in Rome.
Check out this site: https://www.ancient.eu/article/661/neros-golden-house-domus-aurea/ and you can learn more on Nero’s Golden House.
Combination of modern shelters is something that remains as well as raised walkways so that you can check out the palace and its hypocaust, corridors, and mosaics that are amazing.
When you check out the archeological surveys, you will see that these gardens and courtyard were refinished and revitalized, which means that today, you can enjoy in perfect monuments that will present you the sense of ancient times in the heart of Britain.
Therefore, you should visit Chichester because it features fantastic moments that will lead you from Ancient times to beginnings of Christianity in Britain and finally, the futuristic approach that will merge everything.