For nearly 2000 years, York was known as the capital of the
north where Constantine was crowned as the first Christian
emperor. In Saxon times York became an important center
for Christianity and learning. The first church on the site
of the current cathedral was built in 627. York's city walls
were built during the 13th century and enclose the city
with its medieval streets, Georgian townhouses and pubs alongside
the river. One of its most popular attractions is the York Minister,
(which took between 1220 to 1480 to complete) and is England's
largest Gothic cathedral which attracts millions of visitors.
Other attractions include the Monk Bar, The Shambles, York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum, Clifford's Tower and the River Ouse.