|
Chichester
was founded in AD 70 by the Romans and has been a vibrant city ever since. It
was chosen specifically for its warm climate and
beautiful countryside, with the South Downs to the north and the Chichester
Harbour and coastal beaches to the south. Chichester's two thousand years of
heritage is still very much in evidence. The medieval Walls Walk offers splendid
views of the city's parks and gardens as well as much of the Georgian architecture.
Chichester Cathedral was dedicated in 1108 and is the site of the shrine of
St Richard. Its treasures range from Romanesque stone carvings to 20th Century
works of art by Sutherland, Freibusch, Proktor, Chagall, Skelton, Piper, and
Ursula Benker Schirmer. The spire dominates the Sussex Plain for miles around.
At the centre of Chichester are Georgian shopping streets with many curious
shops and places to eat. The Tudor Market Cross (built 1501) stands in the centre
of the four main shopping streets.
Chichester is also home to the internationally renowned Chichester Festival
Theatre, first directed by Laurence Olivier and filled with famous actors and
actresses ever since. During the summer season there are plays and musicals
with all-star casts and in winter a variety of ballet, concerts and pantomimes.
Close to the city centre is the Pallant House Gallery exhibiting works by Cézanne,
Moore, Sutherland, Piper and many more. More information about Chichester's
Heritage can be discovered free of charge at the Chichester District Museum
in Little London, off East Street. During July visitors can savour the Chichester
Festivities, one of Britain's leading arts festivals which is based in the Cathedral
and its environs and includes classical concerts, jazz, exhibitions and a range
of fringe events.
The surrounding area has a host of places to visit. Fishbourne Roman Palace
is home to stunning mosaics, under-floor heating systems and a Roman garden.
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum has fascinating displays of jet aircraft as
well as aviation memorabilia. To the north are the idyllic West Dean Gardens,
set against the backdrop of the Sussex Downs. Goodwood House, with its recreated
Egyptian Dining room and State Apartments, is set in beautiful parkland and
plays host to the famous Festival of Speed. Nearby you can see historic car
racing at Goodwood motor racing circuit, and for horse racing fans there is
Goodwood Racecourse. Set in the grounds of nearby Hat Hill Copse is a collection
of ever changing contemporary sculptures known as Sculpture at Goodwood. To
the west of Chichester is the National Trust property of Stansted House with
its unusual 'below stairs' servants' quarters and extensive gardens and woodlands.
Use the map of Chichester below to zoom in or out to view directions or click the satellite button for an aerial view.
To open a large version of the map in a new window and plan a journey to Chichester click here. |
