The bucket list city building that ‘you must see in your lifetime’

The landmark is much-loved among locals and visitors

A historic landmark in a beautiful city has been named among a list of buildings that people “must see” in their lifetime. The Telegraph has revealed its list of 20 buildings across the world that you must visit in your lifetime and Ely’s historic cathedral is one of them.

Describing Ely Cathedral, The Telegraph said: “Rising above the frigid East Anglian fens, Ely’s greatest glory grew from catastrophe. In 1322 its Norman crossing tower collapsed.

“It was replaced with an oak octagon, lead-covered from above, luminous from below, which is unparalleled in any church in any nation. Unusually we know the names of the architect and carpenter who conceived and shaped this miracle: Alan of Walsingham and William Hurley.”

Ely is the second smallest city in England and its most famous attribute is the gorgeous cathedral. It is the third longest medieval cathedral in England, at 161m. It has several notable features that draw in visitors including the West Tower, its 14th-century Octagon Tower and its unique wooden lantern.

The West Tower was completed in 1189. It reaches 66m high and there are 288 steps up to the top. The 14th-century Octagon tower and its unique wooden lantern is considered one of the wonders of the medieval world, according to the cathedral’s website. It took 20 years to build and cost £2,406.

Thecathedral has raving reviews on Google, with 4.7 stars out of five among more than 7,000 reviews. One person said: “I’ve seen some of the finest cathedrals in the world and Ely is up there with the best of them. What a wonderful experience we had.”

Another visitor said it “fulfilled a lifelong ambition to visit this elephantine-looking place of worship”, adding that the cathedral “surpassed all my expectations”.

Meanwhile, someone else said: “Ely Cathedral is absolutely stunning. The architecture is breath-taking, especially the unique Octagon Tower and the spacious Lady Chapel. Inside, every detail feels majestic yet peaceful.”

Three services are held at the cathedral each day of the year for anyone to join. Visitors can tour the architecture, learn about its history and enjoy panoramic views by booking visitor tickets for £14. Children under the age of 16 can enter for free.

There are also options for tours of the Octagon Tower, Ground Floor or a West Tower experience.