What is York known for?
York is a historic city in North Yorkshire known for York Minster, its medieval city walls, the Shambles street and nearly 2,000 years of history from Roman, Viking and medieval times.
York was founded by the Romans in AD 71 as Eboracum. The Roman emperor Constantine the Great was proclaimed emperor in York in 306. Later, the Vikings captured the city and called it Jorvik.
The JORVIK Viking Centre, built on the site of Viking-age excavations, recreates the sights and smells of the Viking town. It is one of York's most popular attractions.
Minster, walls and streets
York Minster is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe and contains the Great East Window, one of the largest areas of medieval stained glass in the world. Visitors can climb its central tower for views over the city.
York's medieval walls are the longest surviving town walls in England. Visitors can walk along them for about two miles, passing gates called bars. The Shambles, a narrow medieval street with overhanging timber buildings, is one of the most photographed streets in Britain.
The National Railway Museum, home to famous locomotives such as the Mallard and the Flying Scotsman, is also in York. The city is known for its chocolate history, as the home of Rowntree's and Terry's, and its many tea rooms, including Bettys.