St Paul’s Cathedral, whose dome dominates London’s skyline, is England’s architectural masterpiece and place of national celebration. The cathedral was designed by the famed architect Sir Christopher Wren and is considered as Wren’s definitive achievement. The present cathedral was built with the approval of King Charles II following the Great Fire of London of 1666. The cathedral took 35 years to build from 1675 – 1710, spanning the lives of five monarchs. The quire was the first point of construction and where the first service was held in 1697. Wren witnessed the laying of the last stone by his son in 1708. 1709 saw the admittance of the first paying tourist and in 1710 the first official service was led by Bishop Henry Compton, which gave thanks for peace following the war between England and France.
2010 saw the launch of a brand new multimedia guide which is included in the admission price for all individual visitors and available in English, British Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean. The guide uses film, new photography as well as a detailed commentary to offer an effective interpretation of this unique landmark. Tours of the cathedral floor and crypt led by cathedral guides run four times daily; these are joined on arrival and last 90 minutes and at no extra cost. Groups benefit from the provision of a new group tour system whereby a tour leader can communicate clearly to all group members using a transmitter to individual receivers.
Once blackened by pollution, St Paul’s has undergone five years of careful internal and external restoration work. This work has been completed to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the present cathedral which is celebrated between 2010 and 2011. St Paul’s is now filled with a wonderful natural light and the true magnificence of the Portland stone, glittering mosaics and the Thornhill paintings which adorn the inside of the dome can be fully appreciated.
Visitors can climb the 257 steps to the Whispering Gallery to test the unique acoustics. Climb 119 further steps to the Stone Gallery and then 152 final steps to the Golden Gallery, both affording panoramic views of the city from 53 metres and 85 metres high respectively.
Take time to visit the crypt to view the many tombs and memorials to world-famous Britons, including Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. Visitors will also find the award winning ‘Oculus; an eye into St Paul’s’ exhibition located in the crypt. The first project of its kind in a cathedral, Oculus is a 270˚ film experience that brings 1400 years of history to life. Oculus takes visitors to Saxon London amidst the construction of the first St Paul’s in 604AD, through the buildings on the site that have fallen to fire and disrepair, before showing them the Great Fire of 1666 and the devastation of London during the Blitz when St Paul’s became a lasting symbol of strength, survival and hope.
The Cathedral is open for sightseeing Monday to Saturday 08.30 – 16.00 (last admissions). The Cathedral is sometimes closed for special services and events, email admissions@stpaulscathedral.org.uk or check online at www.stpauls.co.uk
Do you know how popular St Paul's Cathedral was in 2010? Read the Top 10 English Tourist Destinations to find out!