St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most famous and recognizable sights of London. Sitting on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London, its iconic dome has dominated the skyline for over 300 years. More than just a church, it is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, a place of national celebration and mourning, and a testament to the resilience of London through fire, war, and time.

A History of Fire and Faith

The current St. Paul's is the fifth church to stand on this site. The previous Anglo-Norman cathedral, known as "Old St. Paul's," was one of the largest in medieval Europe, but it was completely destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666.

The task of rebuilding fell to Sir Christopher Wren, the Surveyor to the King's Works. His vision for a new, modern cathedral was audacious. After several rejected designs (including the famous "Great Model," which can still be seen in the crypt), his final "Warrant Design" was approved. Construction began in 1675 and was completed in 1711. Legend has it that the first stone laid was inscribed with the word Resurgam—"I shall rise again"—a prophecy that came true in spectacular fashion.

The Architecture of the Dome

The dome of St. Paul's is its most defining feature, inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Rising 111 meters (365 feet) to the cross—one foot for every day of the year—it was the tallest building in London until 1963.

Structurally, the dome is a marvel. It actually consists of three shells: an inner dome visible from the church floor, an outer timber structure covered in lead, and a hidden brick cone between them that supports the massive weight of the stone lantern at the very top. This ingenious design allows the dome to look majestic both inside and out.

Climbing the Heights

For those with the energy, a climb to the top of the dome is a highlights of any visit. There are three distinct galleries to reach:

• The Whispering Gallery (259 steps): This interior gallery is famous for its unique acoustics. Due to the shape of the dome, a whisper against the wall can be heard clearly by someone on the opposite side, over 30 meters away.
• The Stone Gallery (376 steps): Moving outside the dome, this gallery offers unobstructed 360-degree views of the City of London. It is a fantastic vantage point to see the contrasting modern skyscrapers like the Shard and the Walkie Talkie.
• The Golden Gallery (528 steps): The highest point of the climb. From here, you are perched at the base of the lantern, offering breathtaking, panoramic views that stretch for miles on a clear day.

The Interior Magnificence

The interior of St. Paul's is a vast, light-filled space that inspires awe. The choir and the high altar are decorated with intricate carvings by Grinling Gibbons and stunning mosaics that were added in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to bring more color to Wren's austerity.

The Nave: The central aisle leads your eye straight to the high altar under the center of the dome. Look up to see the delicate paintings by Sir James Thornhill depicting the life of St. Paul.

The High Altar: Made of carved oak and marble, the current altar was installed in 1958 to replace the one destroyed during the Blitz. Behind it lies the American Memorial Chapel, dedicated to the 28,000 Americans based in the UK who died during the Second World War.

The Crypt: Resting Place of Heroes

The crypt of St. Paul's is the largest in Europe. It is a quiet, contemplative space that serves as the final resting place for many of Britain's most significant figures.

Admiral Lord Nelson: His elaborate marble tomb sits directly under the center of the dome. He was buried here following his death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington: The victor of Waterloo is buried in a massive sarcophagus made of Cornish porphyry.

Sir Christopher Wren: The architect's own tomb is remarkably simple. His epitaph, written by his son, is one of the most famous in the world: Lector, si monumentum requiris, circumspice—"Reader, if you seek his monument, look around you."

St. Paul's and the Blitz

During the Second World War, St. Paul's became a symbol of British defiance. Despite the intense bombing of the City of London, the cathedral survived, although it was hit twice. The iconic photograph "St. Paul's Survives," showing the dome rising above the smoke and ruins of the Blitz, is one of the most powerful images from the war. Winston Churchill famously ordered that St. Paul's must be saved at all costs, and volunteer fire watchers spent every night on the roof to extinguish incendiary bombs.

Planning Your Visit

Tickets: It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance. This guarantees entry and often provides a discount. Tickets include access to the cathedral floor, the crypt, and the galleries.

Worship: St. Paul's is an active place of worship. Services are held daily and are free to attend. Choral Evensong, usually held at 5:00 pm, is a beautiful and moving experience that allows you to hear the cathedral's world-class choir in its natural setting.

Photography: Photography is permitted for personal use on the cathedral floor and in the crypt, but not during services. Photography is restricted in the Whispering Gallery.

Getting There: St. Paul's Tube Station (Central Line) is just a 2-minute walk away. Mansion House and Blackfriars (District and Circle lines) are also very close.

Frequently Asked Questions