The great keep of Rochester Castle towers over the River Medway. By its side, an inseparable twin, the magnificent cathedral shares and dominates the skyline.

Rochester Castle is known as one of the best preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England.  With its great keep, square and massive and the tallest in the country, it measures 113 feet high, 70 feet square and with walls 12 foot thick in places.

It was on, or close to, the present castle site that the Romans built their first fort to guard the bridge carrying their legions over the river on the way from Dover to London and beyond.  Some centuries later, in 1087, Bishop Gundulf, one of William the Conqueror's finest architects, began construction of today's castle, making use of what remained of the original Roman city walls.

Unlike the cathedral, where changes have been made century upon century, there is little of the castle which is not entirely Norman, except the round tower of the great keep which was built in the 13th century to replace the square Norman tower mined and battle damaged during a siege by King John.

The castle continues to be influential. Ironclad, a £12 million film about the great siege of the castle in 1215 - one of the bloodiest in English history - is due for release in 2011, starring Sir Derek Jacobi and James Purefoy.

Great views across the River Medway and beyond can be enjoyed from the battlements of the castle and audio tours provide visitors with an insight on how the castle would have looked during its early medieval heyday.

Rochester Cathedral is the second oldest in England and has been a regular place of pilgrimage for historians and worshippers since it was founded in 604AD.

The cathedral was rebuilt in 1080 by Bishop Gundulf and consecrated in 1130.  Little of it remains unaltered today, other than in the nave arcading and the western part of the cyrpt; the remainder is softer, Gothic in style, blending seamlessly with Gundulf's Norman original.

When inside the cathedral, seek out those finely crafted, easily ignored details of the Norman and medieval stone masons' art.  There are hundreds of carved heads to be seen.  Graffitti is no modern invention; explore the crypt and you will discover ancient 'holy graffitti' presumed to be the work of monks.  Other fine works of art not to be missed are the 13th century Wheel of Fortune wall painting in the quire and the first genuine Baptism fresco to be painted in an English cathedral for nearly 800 years.

The cathedral's ancient history is bought to life via interactive exhibits, revealing the untold stories of its ancient stones.  Visitors can now explore the cathedral using leaflets, translated in several languages and be guided by the interpretation panels at key locations that provide a broad overview of the historic site.

Audio tours available in several languages (small charge applies) with visual presentations are also available.  For a broad and engaging tour, take a stroll with musician Jools Holland as he narrates. For the younger audience, let Egburga Eagle show you around as she swoops in and out of the cathedral rafters. For a more relaxing and spiritual experience take the reflective tour.