Lincoln Cathedral is world-famous for several historic and architectural reasons, most notably that it was once the tallest building in the world. When its central spire was completed in 1311, it surpassed the Great Pyramid of Giza in height, standing at a staggering 525 feet (160 meters) until the spire collapsed in 1548. Architecturally, it is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, featuring the intricate "Angel Choir" and the famous "Lincoln Imp"—a small stone carving that has become the unofficial symbol of the city. Historically, the cathedral is also significant because it houses one of only four surviving original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta, a foundational document for modern democracy. Its location on a high hill overlooking the city makes it a dominant feature of the skyline, and its interior has served as a filming location for high-profile movies like The Da Vinci Code and Napoleon, standing in for Westminster Abbey due to its immense scale and historical authenticity.