There’s only one city in Cornwall: Truro. And why is Truro a city when it’s not even in the top three in terms of the most populous urban areas in the county? It’s because it has a cathedral – a historical requirement for most of the cities in the UK. And what a cathedral it is. Welcome to a supremely colourful religious experience.
Truro Cathedral – or the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary – is a Church of England cathedral in the centre of the city that was built in Gothic Revival design between 1880 and 1910. It’s one of only three cathedrals in the UK that boasts three spires and was actually the first Anglican cathedral to be built on a new site in England since the iconic Salisbury Cathedral in 1220. One of the building’s gems is its Father Willis organ which dates back to 1887. Experts call it one of the finest instruments in the country.
Visitors can take their time walking around the cathedral’s impressive interior, soaking up the religious ambience and admiring the breathtaking architecture. The highlights, for sure, are the Victorian stained glass windows which, at the time they were created, made up the largest stained glass project ever undertaken. The Trinity plays out across these heavenly panes, as do an array of Biblical stories alongside themes like the history of the church, baptism and Cornwall itself. Also listen out for the bells as Truro has the only 12-bell tower in Cornwall.
After a stroll around the building, a trip to the Cathedral Gift Shop – next to the entrance that overlooks the cathedral’s green – is recommended for books, locally made gifts, CDs starring the Truro Cathedral Choir and religious trinkets. Then take in some tuck at the Cathedral Restaurant, which cooks up some heavenly soups and cakes. If anyone is really into the religious experience, they should hit up the weekly Sunday Eucharist event but this is ticket-only, with booking details on the venue’s website. But, for most, an afternoon at Truro Cathedral is an afternoon spent marvelling at the Gothic Revival architecture and the terrific stained glass colours that splash out across the building’s interior when the Cornish sun is high in the sky.