For three hundred years St. Paul’s Cathedral has been one of the enduring symbols of London, a role it richly deserves. Completed in 1708, Sir Christopher Wren’s masterwork is recognized the world over by its classical architecture and the iconic St. Paul’s dome.
It is actually ironic that the cathedral’s iconic image is its dome. Wren’s first two draft plans and the final third did not include the famous dome. Wren took advantage of a clause in the commission permitting him to make ‘ornamental’ changes.
The large dome can now be seen from several parts of London, but it is really just an exterior ornament. In the interior is a much smaller dome directly underneath it. Between the two domes there is a large cone-shaped structure supporting an 850-ton lantern.
Outside, astride the large dome are two towers and an extraordinary classical facade. Though it forms the entrance, the view is less familiar since photographs typically concentrate on the more famous dome, which lies on the other side. The west side offers an especially good view. From here, visitors can take in the columns and the clock tower.
Whether you look at it from the outside or within, St. Paul’s Cathedral has many outstanding architectural and design features.
One of the more popular interior features is the Whispering Gallery. The arched structure was designed in a way allowing sound waves to move at a long distance. The result: a person can stand at one corner whisper and be heard all the way to the other end. To get to The Whispering Gallery is a steep climb of 259 spiral steps. But those who have experienced the trek say the effort is worth it.
You’re likely to find many others trying to test this clever effect in architectural sound engineering. Try to go when there are not too many other visitors.
Aside from the physics, you will find even more wonders of art. One example is the 20-foot oak model of Wren’s second design for the cathedral. Another is the large pipe organ. Commissioned as far back as 1694 it is still functional to this day.
Several other functional, yet artistic, elements are around the cathedral. One, Wren’s memorial, contains an epitaph from his son. In Latin it says: ‘Reader, if you seek his monument, look around.’
Many other plaques, carvings, statues and other memorials to London’s famous and powerful are within the cathedral: in the south transept Admiral Nelson, in the north aisle the Duke of Wellington.
There’s also a memorial in the south choir aisle of the poet John Donne, Dean of St. Paul’s before the current building was erected. The disastrous London fire of 1666, destroyed the original structure. Almost ten years elapsed before construction was begun, followed by more than 30 years until completion. That gives an idea of how construction projects were carried out 300 years ago.
Undergoing a £40 million ($71 million) restoration to celebrate it’s 300-year anniversary, many of the building’s surfaces have been cleaned and restored. Now is an especially good time to pay a visit.
The Cathedral is easy to spot and also easy to reach via the London Underground, or ‘the tube’ as locals here call their subway. Exit at St Paul’s station.
For other historical sites in London, check these out:
A visit to Windsor Castle is essential as it is one of the world’s greatest surviving medieval castles. This day trip from London will also take you to the beautiful Kew Gardens plus a visit to the former royal residence, Kew Palace, which has recently reopened after extensive renovations.
While in London, why not spend a day exploring the two famous institutions of English education - Oxford and Cambridge. Learn of the rivalry between the two university towns whose streets have once been graced by famous scholars, actors and authors on this full day tour. This tour is seasonal and operates from May to September only.
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