First In 700 Years, Visitors Can Access British King's Appointment Location At Westminster Abbey, But Must Release Footwear

Illustration of visitors at Westminster Abbey. (Wikimedia Commons/Herry Lawford)

JAKARTA - Visitors to Westminster Abbey will have the opportunity to stand right in theulant of King England Charles III.

The so-called footless tour, for the first time will allow people to access areas where each king has been crowned over the past 700 years.

Visitors will be asked to take off their footwear to avoid the wear on the now conserved floor, known as the Cosmati sidewalk, where assumeers have been since the 13th century.

" STANDing on the sidewalk and feeling the admiration of being in the middle of the monasteries is a very amazing experience," said Scott Caddock, head of visitor experience at the monasteries, reported by The National News April 16.

"This will give people the opportunity to feel how it feels to be in the middle of theAPpropriation stage," he continued.

The medieval mosaic floor, which was inaugurated by Henry III and completed in 1268 by Italian craftsmen and British stonemen, has been hidden under the carpet for 150 years due to damage.

But on May 6,IGN chaires will be placed again on complicated mosaic floors made of marble, stone, glass and metal for traditional ceremonies.

The sidewalk, which is located in front of the Monastery's high altar, underwent a two-year restoration program in 2010.

It is believed to describe a universe with a world sphere in its midst and is said to be the best example surviving outside Italy of a rare mosaic rock type known as "Cosmati", according to the Italian family name that made it.

"This is a unique work of art for Westminster Abbey, but also for England itself - there are no other mosaic sidewalks like this in England," said Vanessa Simeoni, head of conservator Westminster Abbey.

It is known that King Charles'appropriation ceremony will be witnessed by a number of people at Westminster Abbey, with guest lists including royalties from within and outside the country, British Prime Ministers, other heads of state and representatives from the British Parliament Building.

Meanwhile, the public will be able to watch the show on television and via a giant screen at 30 locations across the UK.

As for the tour for the community later, Westminster experts will guide the tour, which will last for several days from May 15 to July 29.