CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

The cathedral was originally built in wood by the Danes in 1028. It was then rebuilt in the twelfth century by the Anglo-Norman Count Richard de Clare, better known as Strongbow, which makes it the oldest stone building in Dublin. Despite a restoration in the nineteenth century, it has largely preserved its original novel style. First Celtic and then Catholic, Christ Church Cathedral became Anglican following the English Reform around 1530.

In the south wing is the tomb of Strongbow. All weapons (shield and eroded helmets by time) are set in a singular position: cross legs, left foot completely turned inward. However, the figure represented is probably not that of Strongbow. Next to him is half a glove, almost childish. The legend says that it would be Strongbow's son, cut in two by his father when his bravery was questioned in a battle. The choir, worked in a neo-Gothic style, is sculpted with floral motifs embedded in squares that break with the original austerity of the place. In front, there is a very beautiful chair cut in stone and marble. On the right of the choir is a curious painting: it is a mummy cat and a mummified rat that was found in a pipe pipe around 1860.

Finally, the medieval crypt is surely the nail of the visit: populated with lonely deposits, rugged sculptures and glossy documents…