Winchester evolved from Roman town Venta Belgarum, which became important for British Belgae. Settlement was inhabited since prehistoric times with three Iron Age hillforts. Roman walls covered 144 acres, making it among largest Roman towns
First Anglo-Saxon cathedral founded in AD 604 by King Æthelberht. Original cathedral destroyed in 1087 fire, rebuilt by Normans. Medieval cathedral reached 585 feet length and 489 feet spire height
Construction began in 1248, halted around 1560, completed in 1880. World's tallest twin-spired church at 157m, second tallest in Europe. Originally planned as Carolingian basilica with Three Kings relics. Survived World War II bombing, repaired in 1956
Winter Palace served as Russian Emperor's residence from 1732 to 1917. St. Basil's Cathedral was Moscow's tallest until Ivan the Great Bell Tower. Peter and Paul Fortress was originally St. Petersburg's citadel. Peterohf Palace was designed by Trezzini as Versailles-like palace
Cathedral open daily from 06:00 to 20:00. Tourist hours: 10:00-5:00 Monday-Saturday, 1-4:00 Sunday. Masses held daily at 6:30-9:00 AM and 6:30 PM. First Sunday of month features Latin-language Mass
Construction began in 1248 and completed in 1880. High Gothic basilica measuring 144.5m long with 157.22m tower. Western section completed in 1330 shows minimal style changes. Original medieval forms faithfully preserved in 19th century work