Visit to the pretty town of Kent: an ideal destination to immerse yourself in medieval England told in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
Made famous by the writer Geoffrey Chaucer, Canterbury is a pretty one medieval town located in the eastern part of the Kent. The city is a fascinating example of how modernity marries perfectly with history. It is no coincidence that the city, the cradle of Christianity, is mostly known for its cathedral which houses the sanctuary dedicated to the archbishop Thomas Becket murdered inside in the twelfth century.
Canterbury Cathedral
The Cathedral came commissioned by Sant'Agostino, in 597, to convert the Saxon people to Christianity. From that moment the Church became a destination for pilgrimages that increased after Becket's murder. This atmosphere can still be felt in the city. It is no coincidence that Canterbury boasts the England's most prestigious choir.
From here, one of the most famous pilgrimages that leads to Rome along the Via Francigena.
Itinerary between literature, history and nature
Discovering Canterbury also means immersing yourself in the fantastic Tales of Medieval England by The Canterbury Tales. Through this piece of history, you will discover what life was like for pilgrims as told by Chaucer. The city is located a stone's throw from theAONB, Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Here, history gives way to a pleasant holiday to discover nature and outdoor activities. Nature lovers can also visit theHowletts Wild Animal Park, an exceptional naturalistic sanctuary that hosts more than 450 animals included in the extinct species.
How to visit Canterbury
To better capture its splendor, there are 3 ways to visit the city.
1. By boat on the canals. From March to October, it is possible to take part in the "Canterbury Historic River Tours”, Of the routes that allow you to explore the city by navigating along its canals. Thanks to these tours it is possible to explore the city by exploring ancient buildings, Tudor houses and islands on which there are some pretty Franciscan chapels.
2. Reliving the Canterbury Tales. Immersing yourself in Chaucer's medieval Canterbury is a must if you come to town. Among the streets crowded with pilgrims and rooms full of history, reliving the stories of love and infidelity, crimes and deceptions of the palace will be a real thrill.
3. On foot. Either independently or by participating in one of the many guided tours, walking around the city can hide pleasant surprises. Discovering the streets, buildings and cute little retro shops is the best choice to explore this fascinating place.
How to get to Canterbury
To reach Canterbury, 1 h 30 minutes from London, you need to take a train from the capital. Already while traveling on the train, one can grasp the uniqueness and charm of the rural landscape of this part of England.
London can be reached by direct flight to one of its airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and City.
