Salisbury, England

Salisbury Cathedral

If you have ever studied about England, you know it is famous for its cathedrals.  If you have ever seen one, then you know why!  These cathedrals are grand, aiming for the sky.  They were built to bring honour and glory to God, so no expense was spared.

Perhaps my favourite of all the cathedrals we have seen is Salisbury Cathedral.  It is in the town of Salisbury, just a short drive from Stonehenge.  The cathedral is in the middle of a picturesque town centre, surrounded by cafes and cute shops.  The steeple is 423 feet high, and you can see it from all around the town.  As you get closer to the church, you see that it stands alone in the middle of a huge field, so the whole building is visible from a distance.  As you can see, it is quite impressive!

The inside, too, is breath-taking.  If you’re planning on going to any church in England, let me give you some advice.  LOOK UP.  The ceiling may very well be the best part!  Salisbury cathedral is no exception –

There is a fountain in the middle of the first room with water so still that you can see the reflection of the ceiling in it.  As you continue forward towards the front of the church, you see huge stained glass windows, all depicting different Bible stories. 

When you are finished exploring upstairs, you can head down to the crypt.  Walk around and see all the chapels, but be respectful!  It is a place for quite prayer, and there is generally no talking allowed.  While you’re there, light a candle, say a prayer, and check out the treasury before you leave!  They have decorative plates, cups, jewels, and more stored downstairs.

When you are back up on ground level, you can see one of the four original Magna Cartas and stop by the café.  This place really has the whole package!

This place truly reflects God’s beauty.  As I stared and marvelled at this building created by men, I couldn't help but praise the creator of everything.  When you stand in a grand building that is centuries old, you are soon humbled into remembering how small you are, and how powerful God is.  Folks, there is nothing like it!

Rachel Stone