St Paul's Cathedral, Anglican cathedral in City of London, England
Description
St Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican house of worship in the City of London, England, built with Portland limestone walls and topped by a large dome. Inside, rows of columns line the nave, transepts, and choir, while mosaics by William Blake Richmond cover walls and vaults, and the triple-layered dome rests on eight arches.
History
Christopher Wren designed this house of worship to replace the one destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666, with construction starting in 1675 and finishing in 1710. During World War II, it survived bombing raids largely undamaged while much of the surrounding area was destroyed.
Culture
Daily services draw worshippers from across London who come to pray, listen to organ music, and join in sung liturgy under the dome. National celebrations and memorial events bring people together for processions, bell ringing, and shared ceremonies that mark important moments in the life of the country and the church community.
Practical
The climb to the top of the dome involves several hundred steps through three galleries that offer views over the city. Access is possible Monday through Saturday, while Sunday is reserved for worship only, and audio guides are available in several languages.
Did you know?
The Whispering Gallery about 30 meters above the floor lets whispers travel clearly along the circular wall, even to the opposite side. Geometric staircase designs shift from triangular to circular plans, showing Wren's mathematical precision in solving building challenges.
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Temple Bar Gate
104 m
Paternoster Row
104 m
Statue of Queen Anne
111 m
National Firefighters Memorial
99 m
Paul's walk
34 m
St Augustine Watling Street
100 m
Paternoster
105 m
John Donne Memorial
83 m
Statue of John Wesley
55 m
St Lawrence and Mary Magdalene Drinking Fountain
118 m
St Michael-le-Querne
122 m
Statue of Thomas Becket
60 m
The Young Lovers
99 m
The Centre Page
136 m
St Paul's Cross
66 m
Railings To Churchyard Of Cathedral Church Of St Paul
91 m
The Crypt
10 m
Panyer Alley Boy
119 m
Wall Fountain in Festival Gardens
110 m
K6 Telephone Kiosks At St Paul's Cathedral
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St Pauls Cathedral Choir School
100 mPump On West Side Of Chapter House
86 m
Paternoster Square Column
124 m
Angel I to V
118 m
Screen Wall And Gateways To Forecourt Of St Paul's Deanery
148 m
Chapter House Of St Paul's Cathedral
78 m
Footings Of Destroyed Cloister And Chapter House
59 m40 Stone Posts To Forecourt Of Cathedral Church Of St Paul
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As beautiful on the outside as on the inside. It is somewhat the gateway to the City district!
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