Wilfrid's Crypt

Underneath Ripon Cathedral, one still finds Wilfrid’s crypt, 1,350 years after it was built. It is essentially a church cellar, but one used for worship rather than hoarding old junk. The dark, narrow passageways would have been candle-lit; going down those stone steps must have felt like entering the tomb, yet arising on the other wide may have been symbolic of resurrection. For all the medieval church’s popery and superstition, there must have been some for whom this plain gospel truth was apparent: Christ has conquered death and brings to life all those who trust in Him.

...and this is what one sees upon exiting.