EXETER
Exeter is polyvalent: an academic
city, the Devon's Episcopal city and the most important city of the west empire
after Plymouth.
The giant cathedral, the most beautiful in Devon, was built between XI and XIV centuries in Normand
gothic style. The exterior exhibits a remarkable collection of stone statues,
the biggest group of sculptures of the XIV`s century in England which survived.
The luxurious interior is dominated by a vaulted ceiling which was shaped to
look like the radiant branches of a palm tree. Among the church's treasures
there is the Episcopal throne which dates from XIV century and Exeter book of old English verse, lyrics
stored up between the years 950 and 1000. 
The Maritime Museum (opened
everyday) gathered more than 100 ships in two storehouses and on both shores of
Exe River, starting with arabesque ships and
polish hollowed boats and finishing with Chinese champagnes. In the
building dating from XVII century situated on the wharf can be seen
workmanships of popular creators from Devon, frequent
exhibits taking place.
Also interesting are the
chambers dating from the XI and XVI centuries at the Saint Nicholas Monastery (opened Easter - October: Monday to
Saturday afternoon), The Rougemont House
and the castle ruins.
Exeter is a shop-town in
the dairy country and is the ideal place for serving the cream-teas in Devon.
