Ely has been informally accounted a city by virtue of being the seat of a diocese is the third smallest city in England. Ely retains many historic buildings, including the Cathedral (pictured above) and winding shopping streets. There is a market on Thursday and Saturday each week. The city is on the River Great Ouse and was a significant port until the 18th century, when the Fens were drained and Ely ceased to be an island.