Norwich's most impressive landmark is its magnificent, medieval Anglican cathedral (not to be confused with the Catholic cathedral, a Victorian copy on the north side of town). Its needle spire soars higher than any other church in England, apart from Salisbury, and its fan-vaulted ceiling is a masterpiece of medieval engineering. Be sure to check out the collection of ornate ceiling bosses in the medieval cloisters, featuring everything from pagan-inspired green men to devouring dragons.
Work started on the cathedral in 1096, creating one of the finest Anglo-Norman abbey churches in the country. The sheer size of its nave is striking, but look up to admire the superb Gothic rib vaulting added in 1463. Among the spidery stonework are 1200 sculpted roof bosses depicting Bible stories and allegories.
Head to the remarkable cloisters to see more bosses in closer detail. Built between 1297 and 1430, this unique two-story structure was constructed to serve a community of about 100 monks, before the abbey was dissolved during the Reformation.
Above the bronze font (which came from a nearby chocolate factory), look out for Censing Angel (2012), a suspended celestial figure woven out of willow branches by sculptor Joy Whiddett. Head to the modern Hostry annexe for regular exhibitions (and the cafe).
Outside the cathedral's eastern end is the grave of the WWI heroine Edith Cavell, a Norfolk-born nurse who was executed for helping Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium. The handsome cathedral close also contains the old chapel of King Edward VI School, where naval hero Admiral Nelson was educated.
Ask if guided tours of the cathedral have resumed.
