CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL
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Built of stone in the century, Dublin's oldest surviving stone building is a must-see.
The cathedral was originally built in wood by the Danes in 1028. It was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century by the Anglo-Norman Earl Richard de Clare, better known as Strongbow, making it the oldest surviving stone building in Dublin. Despite restoration in the 19th century, it has retained much of its original Romanesque style. Initially Celtic, then Catholic, Christ Church Cathedral later became Anglican following the English Reformation around 1530.
In the south wing is Strongbow's tomb. All in arms (shield and helmet eroded by time), he lies in a singular position: legs crossed, left foot turned completely inwards. However, the figure depicted is probably not that of Strongbow. Next to him is a half-giant, almost childlike figure. Legend has it that this is Strongbow's son, cut in half by his father when his bravery was questioned in battle. The neo-Gothic choir is carved with floral motifs inlaid in squares, breaking with the original austerity of the place. In front is a beautiful pulpit carved from stone and marble. To the right of the choir hangs a curious painting of a mummified cat and rat, found in an organ pipe around 1860.
Finally, the medieval crypt is surely the highlight of the visit: populated by lonely recumbents, dusty sculptures and faded documents..
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Je trouve toujours le prix d'entrée un peu élevé pour ce type de monument (6.5€ me semble-t-il) mais je ne regrette pas la visite.
Le passage dans la crypte (compris dans le billet) est sympa également
A grouper avec le billet de DUBLINIA pour un discount
You can combine the visit to the Dublinia museum which explains the life of Dublin to the Middle Ages