Norwich 12 is an initiative by Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) to develop 12 of Norwich's most iconic buildings into an integrated family of heritage attractions which act as an internationally important showcase of English urban and cultural development over the last 1,000 years.

The 12 buildings are the finest collection of individually outstanding buildings from the Norman, medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern eras.

Architecturally the most ambitious secular Norman building in Europe.

Norwich Castle was built as a royal palace for William the Conqueror at a time when most buildings were small, wooden structures. The huge stone keep was a symbol of the king's power.

The Castle mound (motte) is the largest in the country, and from the 14th to 19th century the keep was used as a county gaol.

The Castle was converted into a museum in 1894.

An iconic Norman cathedral and one of the most complete Romanesque buildings in Europe.

Most of Norwich Cathedral's Norman architecture is still intact and it forms one of the finest examples of the Romanesque style in Europe. Like the Castle, the Cathedral's awe-inspiring scale signified the power and permanence of the Norman invaders.

Caen stone was transported from Normandy and the immense building project required an army of masons, craftsmen, glaziers and labourers. Some of the original Norman wall painting survives in the Cathedral's Jesus Chapel and the presbytery.

Norwich Cathedral has the highest Norman tower (40 metres) and largest monastic cloisters in England, as well as a unique and world-renowned collection of medieval roof carvings.

A new Hostry Visitor and Education Centre, built within the footprint of the medieval Hostry, opening in 2009.

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