- A fresh and illuminating look at Durham Cathedral, a truly stunning
building- Specially commissioned photography Durham Cathedral is one of
the great buildings of Europe. Set grandly on a rocky promontory next to
Durham Castle, with the medieval city huddled below and the river
sweeping around, the profile of this World Heritage Site is instantly
recognizable. Started in 1093 and dedicated to Cuthbert, a Saxon saint,
the cathedral was a pioneering building - which makes the 40 or so years
it took to complete an astonishing achievement. The cathedral was a
fitting symbol of the power of the Norman prince bishops, who were
charged by the king to defend the realm from the constant threat of
invasion. Perched on its rocky peninsula next to a great Norman
fortification, the cathedral therefore spoke of human as well as divine
power. This beautifully illustrated guide introduces the reader to the
glories of Durham, and features the newly opened 'Open Treasure'
exhibition.