Great St Mary's Church
Great St Mary's Church is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Cambridge audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Cambridge Cambridge guide
About Great St Mary's Church
The University Church of Cambridge since the 13th century, with a tower offering panoramic views over the city and colleges.
Great St Mary's Church, known as the University Church, has been the ceremonial church of the University of Cambridge since the 13th century. The current building dates mostly from 1478-1519 in the Perpendicular Gothic style. Its tower offers the best panoramic views of Cambridge, and its bells are the original pattern for the famous Westminster Chimes of Big Ben.
Did you know? The church's quarter-hour chime is the original pattern for the Westminster Chimes, the tune played by Big Ben and clock towers worldwide.
How long should you spend at Great St Mary's Church?
Plan about ~30 min at Great St Mary's Church. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Great St Mary's Church worth visiting?
Great St Mary's Church is one of the 12 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Cambridge, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Cambridge
Hear the story of Great St Mary's Church
Preview the Cambridge tour free in the Gingerguide app.