Ancient Roman Columns at York Minster Grounds

A Sentinel of Roman Antiquity

Standing tall in a plaza at the far end from the statue of Constantine the Great, two Roman columns rise as a physical connection to the ancient foundations of York. These pillars were unearthed from beneath the grounds of York Minster and re-erected in 1971 to mark the 1,900th anniversary of the city's founding. They serve as enduring monuments to the Roman era, standing prominently on the south side of the cathedral’s expansive grounds.

Exploring the Minster Grounds

The area surrounding these columns offers a wealth of history and atmosphere for you to experience. You can walk across the plaza where the pillars stand, taking in the scale of the nearby York Minster—the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. Beyond the Roman ruins, the site provides a transition into various layers of the city's past.

• Observe the architectural contrast between the ancient stone columns and the towering gothic architecture of the Minster.
• Take a moment to appreciate the proximity of the statue of Constantine the Great, who was proclaimed emperor of Rome in York in 306 AD.
• Walk toward Dean's Park for a tranquil space of grass and trees where you can view the north side of the cathedral and potentially spot nesting peregrine falcons during the spring or summer months.

Maximizing Your Visit

To make the most of your time at the columns, incorporate them into a broader exploration of the Minster’s grounds. Because the plaza and the surrounding park are free to access, you can spend as much time as you like absorbing the atmosphere of the site. The highlight of this specific area is the striking juxtaposition of the 1970s restoration of the Roman columns against the backdrop of the medieval cathedral.

If you find yourself with extra time after visiting the site, wander nearby to discover other local landmarks such as the Bar Convent Museum, Barley Hall, Jorvik Viking Centre, Micklegate Bar Museum, or York Dungeon.