Rochester Cathedral stands beside the castle at the heart of the old city, and together the two buildings define the character of the place. The cathedral is compact by English standards — less imposing than Canterbury, which is visible on a clear day from the castle battlements — but no less rewarding for that. The west front is particularly striking, a fine example of Norman Romanesque work that has survived largely intact.
Inside, the cathedral rewards careful attention. The crypt is one of the largest Norman crypts in England, and the medieval wall paintings, though faded, give a sense of how vivid the interior would once have been. Entry is free, though donations are welcomed. The cathedral grounds are peaceful and provide a good vantage point for photographs of the adjacent castle.