St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is arguably the most recognizable of the London landmarks, famed worldwide for its stunning dome. It has a unique place in London history due to it having been destroyed almost entirely by the Great Fire of London in 1666, but despite this was rebuilt on an even grander scale than before. It is a tribute to British survival, and survived the bombings of London during World War II known as the Blitz.

The cathedral is Anglican, and sits on Ludgate Hill in the City of London. It is the official seat of the Bishop of London, and there has been some kind of see on the site since Roman times. There is also some talk that the use of the site as a place of religious works dates back further than Christianity can follow, with some reports stating it was once a site dedicated to the worship of the Pagan goddess, Diana.

St. Paul’s Cathedral as it is now was designed by notable London architect, Sir Christopher Wren, in 1688 following the Great Fire. Before the fire, the dome for which the cathedral is now famous did not exist; the idea was Wren’s, after he was supposedly inspired by a similar dome at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The architecture is a sober take on the Baroque movement, a late Renaissance style. The dome itself rises some 365 feet – around 108 meters – high, and is visible from various parts of London.

The cathedral also has a large and impressive crypt, where many notable figures rest. This list includes Sir Winston Churchill, the famed wartime Prime Minister; Admiral Nelson, a famous naval captain whose monument Nelson’s Column is another famous landmark, and Sir Alexander Fleming; who discovered penicillin. The crypt is also the place of rest of the architect of St. Paul’s, Christopher Wren; above his tomb, the touching epitaph “Reader, if you seek his monument, look around you” is written. St. Paul’s Cathedral was Wren’s greatest work in what was a stunning career that shaped the London skyline forever; it was completed on his 76th birthday.

St. Paul’s Cathedral still plays a huge part in the fabric of London society. Although most royal weddings and similar events take place at Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s was used for the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. Perhaps, given their subsequent divorce, royal couples will in future refrain from following in their footsteps!

The cathedral has become a focal point for any memorial services. Both the September 11th attacks in New York and the July 7th bombings in London were commemorated at St. Paul’s cathedral, usually with the royal family in attendance. St. Paul’s also has a memorial to the American servicemen and woman who died in World War II when the USA allied with Britain; the memorial makes part of the altar and contains the names of over 28,000 American troops.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a must see for any visiting tourist. There is a small charge for entry for any non-worshipping visitors. It is best reached by the London Underground station St. Paul’s, which is on the Central Line.  For the finest afternoon in London, book a guided tour which includes St Paul’s Cathedral and shopping at the famous Harrods store