St. Paul's Cathedral In London - The Ultimate Guide

Towering over London, St. Paul's Cathedral is a magnificent landmark. Designed by Christopher Wren after the Great Fire, it's not just a beautiful church, but a place that's seen centuries of British history. From royal weddings to wartime tributes, it's a must-see for any London visitor. Let's find out more about it!

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The History of St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral, one of the most iconic London landmarks, emerged from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1666 that devastated the city. Designed by renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren, the cathedral replaced an older church on the site. Believe it or not, the first cathedral on this spot dates back to 604 BCE! The construction of Wren's masterpiece in the English Baroque style took place between 1675 and 1710.

The cathedral's dome, inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, became a powerful symbol of London's resilience during World War II. It miraculously survived the Luftwaffe's bombing raids in December 1940, sometimes referred to as the "Second Great Fire of London." The dome's endurance during the Blitz solidified its place as a cherished London icon.

Standing north of the cathedral is the poignant People of London Memorial, a tribute to the 32,000 civilians who perished in the war.

The Architecture of St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral blends architectural influences in a subtle Baroque style. Designer Christopher Wren drew inspiration from various sources:

✦ English tradition: The cathedral's layout echoes medieval English cathedrals, like Winchester and York, with a focus on length and prominent transepts.

✦ Classical influences: Wren incorporated ideas from architect Andrea Palladio and the classical style championed by Inigo Jones.

✦ Baroque inspiration: He also embraced the dramatic elements of 17th-century Roman Baroque and French structures by Jules Hardouin-Mansart.

This fusion is evident in the facade: Unlike some Baroque designs that mask the building's form, St. Paul's proudly reveals its structure. The prominent towers extend beyond the aisles, emphasizing the cathedral's grand scale.

The Dome

St. Paul's Cathedral boasts a magnificent dome reaching over 280 feet (85 meters) in height. This impressive structure isn't just one dome, but three! The inner dome features a plastered brick dome supported by eight massive columns. Encasing this is a non-structural outer dome, the one you see dominating the London skyline. Hidden between these two is a strong brick cone, the secret glue holding everything together.

St. Paul's Cathedral - The Highlights

✨ The Interiors

Standing in the transept of St. Paul's Cathedral, take a moment to look up and marvel at the impressive dome. This architectural masterpiece, supported by eight strong Dorset stone piers and arches, weighs an incredible 65,000 tons! Step inside the dome to admire the beautiful fresco by James Thornhill, which depicts scenes from the life of Saint Paul.

✨ The Whispering Gallery

This circular walkway, 30 meters above the cathedral floor, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the cathedral's nave. But its true marvel is its acoustics. Whispers travel surprisingly far along the curved walls, allowing conversations to carry across the dome's vast expanse. Reaching this requires climbing 259 steps.

✨ The Stone Gallery

St. Paul's Cathedral's Stone Gallery awaits after a 376-step climb. The reward? Panoramic cityscapes and a one-of-a-kind perspective of the cathedral's architecture. It's an unforgettable experience that makes the climb totally worth it.

✨ The Golden Gallery

This 528-step climb leads to a narrow walkway encircling the lantern, offering stunning panoramic vistas of London. True to its name, the gallery features gilded railings, a testament to both Sir Christopher Wren's architectural style and his remarkable engineering skills.

✨ The Apse and High Altar

The eastern end of the cathedral is home to both the High Altar and the Apse. The Apse, funded by British benefactors, was transformed into the American Memorial Chapel in 1958. It serves as a place of remembrance for the over 28,000 Americans who lost their lives in World War II.

The High Altar features a 10-foot cross and two gilded candlesticks, all elements that commemorate the sacrifices made by World War II victims. An oak canopy was added to the altar in 1958.

✨ The Clock and Bells

Standing tall on the west facade of St. Paul's Cathedral are a pair of bell towers, designed in the Baroque style. The southwest tower is home to three clock bells, one being the famous "Big Ben" by John Smith (1893) and the massive 5-ton "Great Tom." These bells chime the hours and toll for important deaths. The northwest tower houses a set of 12 bells, including "Great Paul," the largest bell in all of England.

Stay Near St. Paul's Cathedral

Near St. Paul's Cathedral, you can find a variety of hotels to suit your needs. For luxury with a rooftop bar, there's Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. Right next to the cathedral, Leonardo Royal offers a spa and indoor pool. If you're budget-conscious, Hampton by Hilton provides good value, though it is slightly further away.