This panorama was taken inside the 12C church at the Hospital of St Cross near Winchester. The picture, taken at the crossings of the church, shows some of the church structure, with high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and an intricately tiled floor. On one side is a magnificent church organ. This church has been described as a 'a normal cathedral in miniature' and is well worth a visit.

Church at Hospital of St Cross - Winchester visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Church at Hospital of St Cross' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Hampshire.

The church shown in this panroamic image is part of the Hospital of St Cross near to Winchester in Hampshire. It dates from the 12C and is part of the oldest almshouse in England.

The church is part of the original buildings of the Hospital (lit: place of hospitality or charity), and building started in 1135 at the east end. The north porch was added about 200 years later, along with many other buildings at the Hospital of St Cross. The church is built of stone from various sources including Caen (in Normandy), Dorset and the Isle of Wight, as well as some flint taken from the local chalk pits. The walls are over 1m thick.

One peculiarity of the church is the window nearest the eastern side of the north transept which is set at an odd angle. This is for a purpose, and allows sunlight to pass through the window on the 3rd of May and the 14th of June each year to illuminate the cross of St Cross mounted on a pillar on the north aisle. These days are special to the church calendar, being the days of the Invention of the Cross and Holy Cross Day respectively.

The Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse of Noble Poverty,
St Cross,
Winchester,
SO23 9SD

Winchester is about 70 miles from London close to the M3. St Cross Road (B3355) runs south from Winchester to the A3090. Visitors can reach the Hospital of St Cross by walking down Back Street and Kingsgate Street to Kingsgate and the city center.