St. Paul's Cathedral: A London Icon

As the Bishop of London's seat and the "parish church of the British Commonwealth," St. Paul's Cathedral stands as London's most renowned church. Replacing a church lost to the Great Fire of 1666, the current edifice, a creation of Sir Christopher Wren, is a celebrated British landmark.

Construction of Wren's St. Paul's began in 1675 and concluded in 1711, following extensive debate over its design. The final structure, a blend of Wren's dome vision and the commissioners' cross-shaped preference, is a Renaissance marvel measuring 515 feet in length, 227 feet in width, and featuring a 365-foot dome.

Post-WWII repairs and a thorough cleaning have restored St. Paul's to its original splendor, making it a must-visit in London. The cathedral remains active, offering daily services and prayer sessions.

For more information on what to do at St. Paul's Cathedral, refer to our visitor's guide to this historic site. You can reach the cathedral by renting a car.

See also: Where to Stay near St. Paul's Cathedral

Room for Great Views: The Magnificent Cathedral Dome

Climbing the dome's 528 steps to its 365-foot peak is a challenge but rewards with one of the world's largest domes and stunning 360-degree London views. The dome opens at 9:30am, after the cathedral's 8:30am opening for sightseers.

Quiet, Please: The Whispering Gallery

The Whispering Gallery sits 100 feet up inside the dome, where whispers can be heard across its 112-foot width. Visitors can also ascend to the Stone Gallery and the Golden Gallery for further views.

The Nave

The nave introduces the Dome's grandeur, the 30-foot Great West Door, and scenes from St. Paul's life by Thornhill. It also houses a monument to the Duke of Wellington and statues symbolizing virtues and vices.

The Chapels

St. Paul's hosts several chapels, including All Souls' Chapel and St. Dunstan's Chapel. Others commemorate St. Michael and St. George, the Middlesex Chapel, and the American Memorial Chapel, with two more in the crypt.

The Quire (Choir)

The choir features stalls by Grinling Gibbons and a high altar from Wren's designs. The south aisle includes the Lady Chapel and a statue of poet John Donne, the sole survivor from the old cathedral.

The Crypt

The crypt is the resting place for notables like Constable, Turner, Reynolds, Sir Christopher Wren, the Duke of Wellington, and Lord Nelson.

Oculus: An Eye into St. Paul's

The Oculus offers a 270-degree film on the cathedral's history, alongside other films in the crypt's theater, including the effects of the Great Fire and the Blitz.

The Exterior

The West Front's 180-foot-long entrance and the flanking Baroque towers, housing the bells including Great Paul, are notable exterior features.

The Cathedral Collections

The Cathedral Library and Object Collection preserve books, manuscripts, and artifacts, while the Architectural Archive details the building's design and construction.

Touring St. Paul's Cathedral

Admission includes high-resolution touch-screen guides and access to guided tours, which explore areas typically closed to the public.

Address

• St. Paul's Churchyard, London
• www.stpauls.co.uk

Where to Stay near St. Paul's Cathedral

Recommended nearby hotels include The Montague on the Gardens, Apex London Wall Hotel, The Hoxton, Holborn, and Hub by Premier Inn Spitalfields, Brick Lane.