Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey, in London

Westminster Abbey is one of the most important sanctuaries of the United Kingdom, place of the coronations and the great events of the monarchy. The London audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this history-laden Gothic masterpiece, listed as world heritage.

The sanctuary of the coronations

Westminster Abbey is one of the most prestigious religious buildings of the world and a high place of British history. Founded in the Middle Ages, it was rebuilt from the thirteenth century in a magnificent Gothic style, with its slender nave, its vertiginous vaults and its adorned chapels. For nearly a thousand years, it is here that the sovereigns of the United Kingdom are crowned, in a secular ceremony laden with symbols. The abbey is also the theatre of the great events of the monarchy, royal weddings and solemn funerals. It shelters the tombs of numerous kings and queens, as well as those of great figures of the nation, writers, scholars and statesmen, including the famous Poets' Corner. A place of memory and contemplation, a witness of the history and the spirituality of a whole people, the abbey is listed as UNESCO world heritage. A major sanctuary and a jewel of the Gothic, Westminster Abbey is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, one of the most prestigious religious buildings of the world, a Gothic abbey rebuilt from the thirteenth century with a slender nave and adorned chapels, place of the coronations of the sovereigns of the United Kingdom for nearly a thousand years, theatre of the great events of the monarchy, sheltering the tombs of kings, queens and great figures of the nation, including the Poets' Corner, listed by UNESCO. Westminster Abbey is a high place of London. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

Westminster Abbey lies near the Palace of Westminster, in London, reachable on foot and by public transport. A place of worship and memory, it can be visited with respect; access follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is Westminster Abbey famous?

Because it is here that the sovereigns of the United Kingdom are crowned for nearly a thousand years, and that the great events of the monarchy take place there; this Gothic masterpiece shelters the tombs of numerous kings, queens and great figures of the nation, including the Poets' Corner, and is listed by UNESCO.

Where is Westminster Abbey?

Near the Palace of Westminster, in London, in the United Kingdom.