Chichester Cathedral

Chichester Cathedral

Chichester Cathedral is the only English cathedral visible from the sea, its spire a landmark for sailors and a defining feature of the city's skyline. The cathedral was begun in 1075 when the bishopric was moved from Selsey to Chichester, and it has served as the mother church of the diocese for nearly a thousand years.

The building is predominantly Norman and Early English in style, with later medieval additions and a Victorian spire that replaced an earlier one that collapsed in 1861. The nave retains the massive round arches of the original Norman construction, while the retrochoir behind the high altar is a graceful example of Early English Gothic.

The cathedral is noted for its art. The Romanesque relief panels in the south choir aisle are among the finest examples of twelfth-century sculpture in England. In the twentieth century, the cathedral commissioned works from major modern artists including Marc Chagall (a stained glass window), John Piper (a tapestry), and Graham Sutherland (a painting). These contemporary additions sit alongside the medieval fabric without jarring, reflecting a tradition of artistic patronage that has continued for centuries.

The cathedral is open to visitors daily, with free admission (donations welcomed). Regular services include choral evensong, and the cathedral choir has an international reputation. The Chichester Festivities, held annually, include concerts and events in the cathedral.

For visitors from across the Solent News area, Chichester Cathedral is one of the finest historic buildings on the south coast and well worth a visit. The city centre around the cathedral offers good shopping, dining, and the Pallant House Gallery nearby.