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The old part of the city is very attractive and is adorned with a fascinating network of twisting medieval streets and alleyways brought to life by the presence of students from the 19th century university. Founded in 1832, it is, after Oxford and Cambridge, the oldest in England.

The famous cathedral, one of the most exquisite examples of Norman architecture, had its first foundation stone laid in 1093 and was to be completed in 1133. Since then, only a few alterations and additions were made, giving this masterpiece a harmonious and unusual unity of style. As you walk in, the first impression is of its awesome nave and of huge deeply-grooved columns which alternate with massive many-shafted piers to form an arcade supporting a gallery and a clerestory. In the east part of the cathedral lies the tomb of St Cuthbert, once a major place of pilgrimage, while in the Galilee Chapel - located at the other end of the building - one can find the remains of the Venerable Bede, author of the earliest history of England.

The castle, also heritage from the Norman period, suffered many modifications throughout its history by the successive Prince Bishops and is now largely occupied by Durham University. Some parts, like the chapel and the great hall, are open to visitors - with the former dating from the castle's earliest days.

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