St Pauls Cathedral, London (London)

17th Century domed cathedral built by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London.

Summary

13th century buildings (or older)
No smoking
Art and sculpture
Guided tours
Gift shop
Information provided
Learning facilities
Audio guide

Food and Drinks

Restaurant
Tea Room

Introduction

The cathedral is one of London's most famous and most recognisable sights. Climb up the dome to the Whispering Gallery and try out its unique acoustics; a whisper on one side can be heard clearly 100 feet away. Further up 271 more steps is the Golden Gallery situated at the very top of the dome where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across London.

Explore the cathedral’s crypt, where lie some of the nation’s heroes including the cathedral’s architect Sir Christopher Wren as well as the magnificent tombs of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

Multimedia guides and guided tours reveal all about the history, architecture and daily life of the cathedral. Virtual films are available to allow visitors to view the dome and galleries without leaving the ground.

History to the present day

The first church founded in 604 AD, by King Ethelbert of Kent as home to the first bishop of the East Saxons, Mellitus. It was destroyed by fire and rebuilt by St. Erkenwald, then bishop, in 675-85. It was then destroyed by the Vikings in 962.

On September 4, 1666, fire broke out in a bakehouse in Pudding Lane. Fanned by a fierce wind, the fire spread through the close-packed streets of London, destroying everything in its path including St Paul's. King Charles gave Wren the commission to rebuild the cities churches, including Old St. Paul's Cathedral.To finance this rebuilding a special tax was levied on coal arriving at the port of London. Portland stone was used for the bulk of the cathedral, and from the laying of the first stone in 1675 to the final touches in 1708, the cathedral was finished in 33 years.

Food and Drinks

St Paul's licensed restaurant has a choice of two or three course meals including Sunday lunches and brunches. Lunch, 12.00-3.00pm Monday, Friday and Sunday, brunch, 11.00-3.00pm Saturday.

For lighter lunches, including sandwiches, soup and home made cakes visit the cafe which is open 9.00am-5.00pm Monday to Saturday and 12.00am-4.00pm Sunday. Further choice is available from the Barrow in the Crypt where many of the ingredients come from nearby Borough and Spitalfields Markets.

Other facilities

Worship takes place every day of the year in St Paul’s and all are welcome to attend services. Prayer services comprise of two ancient monastic offices of morning prayer and evensong.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: , London, , United Kingdom

Directions: Opposite St Pauls Underground Station

Nearest Overground Train: London Bridge (20 minute walk), Cannon Street (8 minute walk), and Blackfriars (5 minute walk).

By Bus: 4, 11, 15, 23, 25, 26, 100, 242, all stop outside the cathedral.

More photos of St Pauls Cathedral, London

Crypt

Ceiling

Staircase