Mappi Mundi

Hereford Cathedral is fortunate to care for two important historical treasures.

The Mappa Mundi is a late 13th Century map of the world and is a pictorial encyclopaedia, adorned by strange beasts and other characters that tell stories from the bible and classical myth. With Jerusalem at the centre, it provides a unique insight into the medieval mind.

The Mappa Mundi is exhibited alongside the world-famous Chained Library: The Cathedral’s book collection which was chained to its shelves as a security measure over 400 years ago. The library includes fascinating medieval manuscripts and printed books which feature in temporary exhibitions in the Library.