24 March 2023 , 00:01
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Visitors will be allowed to stand on the exact spot where the King has been crowned - as long as they take their shoes off first.
Guided barefoot tours to celebrate Charles’s May 6 coronation will include access to the Cosmati pavement.
It is one of Britain’s greatest medieval art treasures and usually roped off.
Monarchs have been crowned on the intricate 13th century mosaic floor at the heart of Westminster Abbey for more than 700 years. Covered with carpet at many coronations, including Queen Elizabeth II’s in 1953 and George VI’s in 1937, it will remain uncovered this time.
Tourists – kept to groups of 10 – will be asked to walk in socks to help protect the artefact, made of geometric patterns of marble, stone, glass and metal.
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King Charles III's coronation will take place on May 6 (Getty Images)Rich in symbolism, it is said to depict the universe. The 24ft 10in square pavement was commissioned by Henry III and finished in 1268. It was hidden by carpet for 150 years until conservation work was carried out in 2010.
A cryptic inscription even predicts the end of the world, claiming the Earth would last for 19,683 years.
Scott Craddock, head of visitor experience at The Crown and Church tours, said: “We hope our events and digital resources give everyone an opportunity to join the celebrations.”
The tours begin on May 15 until July 29. It costs £15 plus Abbey entry.