... For a long time was Lincoln Cathedral.
Dominating the landscape from miles away, this building was the tallest building in the world (160m), and the first in history to exceed the Great Pyramid of Giza (146m) in heights when it was completed in 1280. It remained the tallest building ever errected until as late as 1884, when the Washington Monument was built in the USA.
However, the wooden spire collapsed in a storm in 1549, leaving the present building standing at 81m - still the highest cathedral tower in Britain today without a spire. Even rivaling with spires, only those of Salisbury Cathedral (123m) and Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral (101m) manage to surpass Lincoln Cathedral.
Historically, the first cathedral was built between 1072 and 1092, but was destroyed by a fire 50 years later. It was repaired and expanded, but was destroyed again in 1185 by an earthquake. Bishop Hugh of Avalon started the present cathedral, which was built in the 12th and 13th centuries.
The cathedral is open from 7:15am to 8pm (until 5pm from Sept. to May). Admission is £3.50. There are also free guided tours (1h) everyday starting from 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
A short walk South of the cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, also built in the 12 and 13th centuries, now lays in ruins, but once was the most important building in town. Its walled terrace garden is worth a look.
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