Durham is famous for its rich history, vibrant culture and thriving industries. It is particularly known for Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Durham Castle, which is also part of the World Heritage Site. In the United States, Durham, North Carolina, is famous for Duke University, a prestigious institution, and for its role as the Medical City due to its strong healthcare industry. Durham is home to several renowned higher education institutions, most notably Duke University and North Carolina Central University.
Durham is also a national leader in health-related activities, focusing on Duke University Hospital and many private companies. Duke and its Duke University Health System are the city's major employers. North Carolina Central University is a historically black university that is part of the University of North Carolina System. Together, the two universities make Durham one of the vertices of the Research Triangle area; at the center of this area is the Research Triangle Park, south of Durham, which covers an area of 11 square miles and is dedicated to research facilities.
Durham is a city rich in history, culture and innovation. Known for its prestigious universities, thriving arts scene and culinary delights, Durham captivates residents and visitors alike. From the bustling city center to the serene Duke Forest, Durham offers a unique combination of urban excitement and natural beauty. As we explore the essence of this dynamic city, we discover what Durham is known for, highlighting its many distinctive features.
The iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Durham was one of the first to be designated. Durham Cathedral is one of the best surviving examples of Romanesque architecture on the planet, while Durham Castle was commissioned by William the Conqueror in the early 11th century. Durham's greatest fame in terms of architectural innovation is the vaulted stone roof of the Cathedral Nave, the world's first of its kind on such a large scale. It was going to have a big impact on centuries of cathedral architecture.
Bull Durham, a cult-favorite romantic comedy sports film, launched the careers of Kevin Costner, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon, and drew national attention for the Durham Bulls. Formerly the Durham Tobacconists, the Durham Bulls played their first baseball game on April 24, 1913 at Hanes Field on the Trinity College campus. Durham public schools are administered by Durham Public Schools, the eighth largest school district in North Carolina. The Durham Dragons, a women's quick-throw softball team, played for Durham Athletic Park from 1998 to 2000.
The Durham Public Art Program includes a growing number of permanent and temporary exhibitions across the city, including works by artists from Durham and across the country. A pilgrimage site in Durham for more than a millennium, the presence of the sanctuary of St. Cuthbert in Durham has shaped the city's identity. Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides opportunities for the Durham community to play more through wellness, the outdoors and lifelong learning.
The Durham Art Walk features a variety of artists who meet each year for a large exhibition of works on the streets of Durham. The merger of Durham City Schools (several inner-city neighborhoods) and Durham County schools in the early 1990s generated controversy. Below, you'll find some of Bull City's highlights and visit Discover Durham to explore the latest things to do in Durham. In addition, together, Durham Cathedral and Castle reflect the combined secular and religious power that gave Durham its unique political importance under the rule of its Prince Bishops.
Bartlett Leonidas Durham (1824-185), the man who gave the city of Durham its name, was born into a family that had lived in Orange County for three generations. Within a week, students from North Carolina College in Durham and Duke University organized a sit-in in Durham.
