Westminster Abbey

London’s most famous church is over 1,000 years old! In the 10th century, Benedictine monks built a monastery here. However, Henri III decided to have it rebuilt in the 13th century, giving it a Gothic architecture that was very much in vogue at the time. He was inspired by the greatest French cathedrals, notably that of Reims, to build this sumptuous monument. And just like Reims Cathedral, Westminster Abbey is a key part of his country’s history: it is in this church that British monarchs have been crowned since 1066! They weren’t all crowned in this beautiful abbey, since it wasn’t built until the 13th century and has undergone various transformations throughout its existence! In fact, 40 kings and queens of England have been crowned here, the first being William the Conqueror, and the last being King Charles III, in 2023. Westminster Abbey has also hosted 16 royal weddings, including that of Lady Di and Prince Charles, as well as that of Kate and William in 2011. What’s even more fascinating is that almost 3,300 British celebrities have been buried here, including Queen Elizabeth I, the novelist Charles Dickens and the scientist Isaac Newton. The church’s gigantic dimensions are truly impressive: its nave, which houses the Coronation Throne, is a colossal 31 metres high. This magnificent church is undeniably part of English history, especially as it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987! It’s no wonder that every year, more than a million visitors come to contemplate it!