The Cloisters, Canterbury
The Cloisters at Canterbury Cathedral form a peaceful quadrangle that once served as the heart of monastic life within the cathedral precincts. Constructed mainly during the 14th and 15th centuries, these covered walkways connected the cathedral with its key monastic buildings鈥攕uch as the Chapter House, dormitory, and refectory鈥攁llowing monks to move between spaces while protected from the elements. Their architecture reflects the Perpendicular Gothic style, marked by elegant ribbed vaulting, delicate tracery, and finely carved bosses that decorate the ceiling.
In the monastic era, the cloisters were not only a functional corridor but a space for quiet contemplation, scripture reading, and routine procession. They symbolized the spiritual journey of the monks, framing the physical centre of their daily routine with a sense of sacred enclosure. Some of the original medieval floor tiles remain visible, and the cloister walls bear centuries-old graffiti, offering glimpses into the lives and marks left behind by pilgrims, visitors, and even schoolboys from later generations.
Today, the Cloisters are open to visitors exploring Canterbury Cathedral鈥檚 precincts. Their cool shade and rhythmic arches offer a moment of reflection amid the grandeur of the surrounding structures. Walking through this space, visitors can appreciate the blend of spiritual history and artistic craftsmanship that defines Canterbury鈥檚 religious legacy. The contrast between the open central garth and the shadowed walkways heightens the sense of transition between past and present, between solemnity and quiet wonder.
In the monastic era, the cloisters were not only a functional corridor but a space for quiet contemplation, scripture reading, and routine procession. They symbolized the spiritual journey of the monks, framing the physical centre of their daily routine with a sense of sacred enclosure. Some of the original medieval floor tiles remain visible, and the cloister walls bear centuries-old graffiti, offering glimpses into the lives and marks left behind by pilgrims, visitors, and even schoolboys from later generations.
Today, the Cloisters are open to visitors exploring Canterbury Cathedral鈥檚 precincts. Their cool shade and rhythmic arches offer a moment of reflection amid the grandeur of the surrounding structures. Walking through this space, visitors can appreciate the blend of spiritual history and artistic craftsmanship that defines Canterbury鈥檚 religious legacy. The contrast between the open central garth and the shadowed walkways heightens the sense of transition between past and present, between solemnity and quiet wonder.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Canterbury. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
The Cloisters on Map
Sight Name: The Cloisters
Sight Location: Canterbury, England (See walking tours in Canterbury)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Canterbury, England (See walking tours in Canterbury)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Canterbury, England
Create Your Own Walk in Canterbury
Creating your own self-guided walk in Canterbury is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Canterbury Introduction Walking Tour
Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage City and one of the most visited cities in England. Canterbury has a long history and has been occupied since Paleolithic times. It was the capital of the Celtic Cantiaci, Romans settled the area for centuries, and the site was the capital of the Kingdom of Kent.
Saint Augustine arrived in Canterbury in 597 to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Saint Augustine arrived in Canterbury in 597 to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Canterbury Cathedral and Grounds
Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest churches that played a crucial role in English Christianity, stands within its own walled area, surrounded by Medieval buildings and ruins.
At the heart of this ensemble rises the cathedral itself, a magnificent example of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you enter, you'll pass through the imposing Christ Church Gate, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
At the heart of this ensemble rises the cathedral itself, a magnificent example of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you enter, you'll pass through the imposing Christ Church Gate, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles