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The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, usually known as Durham Cathedral, occupies a strategic position on a promontory high above the River Wear. The present cathedral was founded in AD 1093 and was largely completed by the mid-twelfth century, replacing the 10th century "White Church". It is the only cathedral in England to retain almost all of its Norman craftsmanship, and one of few to preserve the unity and integrity of its original design (Link for more information).

The cathedral is a major tourist attraction within the region, a central tower of 217 feet providing views of Durham and the surrounding area. It is a grade I listed building (List Entry Number: 1161023 Link Historic England).

Durham Cathedral and Castle, together with their precincts, are designated as a World Heritage Site.

The importance of the area of Durham containing its castle and cathedral has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site: see Link
To quote UNESCO:
"Durham Cathedral was built in the late 11th and early 12th centuries to house the relics of St Cuthbert (evangelizer of Northumbria) and the Venerable Bede. It attests to the importance of the early Benedictine monastic community and is the largest and finest example of Norman architecture in England. The innovative audacity of its vaulting foreshadowed Gothic architecture. Behind the cathedral stands the castle, an ancient Norman fortress which was the residence of the prince-bishops of Durham."

See also
EH World Heritage Site listing: Link (includes useful map)
EH Grade I listings:
The Cathedral: Link
Cloister (West): Link
Cloister (South): Link
Cloister (East): Link
Lavatorium: Link
Deanery: Link
Prior's Kitchen: Link
Priory Prison: Link
12-15 The College: Link
Chorister School: Link
8 The College: Link
Wall to west of 13, South Bailey: Link
Castle Gatehouse: Link
Castle Keep: Link
Castle North Range: Link
Castle West Range: Link
Castle Wall (W,N & E): Link
Castle Terrace Wall: Link

UNESCO World Site List: Link