HEREFORDSHIRE offers immense variety, from tranquil and beautiful countryside and pretty villages to a host of cultural activities and a wealth of architectural and historical interest. But without doubt the jewels in the crown are the unique ancient map of the world, the Mappa Mundi, and the famous Chained Library, at Hereford's impressive cathedral.

They have always been a must for the visitor, but there is now an added excitement with the brand new state-of-the-art Mappa Mundi Exhibition Centre, which was opened by the Queen in 1996.

The latest high-tech ideas and traditional building methods have been combined to create a special building to house and protect the Mappa Mundi and the chained libraries.

It cost £3 million, and includes 'breathing' plaster, an air-conditioning system so advanced that it reacts to changes in atmosphere when someone enters the room, and lots of other dazzling technology.

The Dean has described the building as 'the most important addition to the cathedral this century'. The treasures being safeguarded by all this are priceless. The 13th century Mappa Mundi depicts the world as round and flat. It is on a sheet of calf skin 52in wide, shows cities and rivers, and has drawings of monsters, strange creatures, mountains, and short descriptions such as: 'Here are strong and fierce camels'.

The Chained Library contains volumes which date back from the eight century. Its book presses and reading desks were made in 1611. It is the largest to survive with all its chains, rods and locks intact. It is a unique and fascinating treasure in Britain's rich heritage of library history.

The specially designed chamber of the new library building not only means that the whole library can now be seen in its original arrangement for the first time for more than 150 years; it also allows the books to be kept in controlled environmental conditions for the first time in their lives.

The Chained Library preserves a particular period in library history. It contains about 1,500 books, manuscript and printed, from the eighth to the 19th centuries. The whole library contains more than 10,000 volumes.

A splendid cathedral, the Mappa Mundi, the Chained Library, and the exciting new exhibition

centre, together make a unique combination of which Hereford has every reason to be immensely proud.