WESTMINSTER ABBEY, Interior

To properly see the interior of Westminster Abbey you have to go through it twice: first to admire the Gothic architecture built in the 1200s and 1300s, and then again to browse the tombs of the historical figures buried here. Not to mention the numerous works of art in the chapels.

As soon as you enter through the central door, if the crowd of tourists allows, stand still and try to take in the abbey as a whole. You can immediately recognise the French influence in the clustered columns dividing the three naves and in the long series of arches that flank the central nave. Beyond the wide transept, the part behind the main altar is surrounded by a corridor called the "ambulatory" that leads to many chapels. If you would prefer to see some of the typical locally-inspired features in the style known as "Early English", look up at the thin ribs that decorate the vaulted ceilings.

You will be somewhat surprised by the contrast between the vertiginous, 31-meter height of the central nave and the church's rather narrow width of only 12 meters: this trick accentuates the majestic visual impact of the pillars and the large windows higher up, and full advantage is taken of this during the stately ceremonies held at Westminster Abbey....