Mappa Mundi

The Mappa Mundi is an extraordinary medieval masterpiece and one of the finest surviving examples of 13th-century cartography. Drawn on a single sheet of vellum, this elaborate map measures approximately 1.6 metres across and represents the entire known world as understood by medieval scholars. The map places Jerusalem at its centre, reflecting the religious cosmology of the period, and is decorated with illustrations of biblical events, mythical creatures, and exotic lands.

Housed within the specially designed Mappa Mundi Library at Hereford Cathedral, the map is displayed in a climate-controlled environment to preserve this irreplaceable artefact. Visitors can explore the intricate detail of the map, which includes labels in Latin identifying regions, cities, and peoples. The accompanying exhibition provides context about medieval geography, theology, and the map's creation and significance throughout the centuries.

The Mappa Mundi has survived wars, religious upheaval, and centuries of changing attitudes towards geography, remaining a testament to medieval scholarship and artistry. Its presence in Hereford makes the city a destination of international importance for historians, cartographers, and anyone fascinated by the medieval world.