St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral in London is an Anglican Temple Church, residence of the Bishop of London, and the mother church of the Diocese of London. It’s a Grade 1 listed building, which sits on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London. The church has a long tradition of dedication to Paul the Apostle which dates since its foundation in 604 AD.

Baroque Church in heart of London

Cathedral Church is one of the most iconic and recognisable sights of the British capital. Its dome has dominated the city’s skyline for more than 300 years. This 111 m (365 ft) high temple was the tallest building in London until 1967.  St. Paul’s is built in a restrained Baroque style which combines Wren’s traditions of English medieval cathedrals with the inspiration of Andrea Palladio. Certainly and undoubtedly, the most visible exterior feature is the dome. Clearly, inspired by Michelangelo’s dome St Peter’s Basilica and Mansart Church. Its breathtaking and magnificent architecture illustrates a perfect example of Renaissance style with walls raised high around a Gothic plan, concealed flying buttresses, and the most ingenious dome yet, devised using every trick known to late seventeenth-century structural engineering, worked together to shape a compelling Baroque cathedral. Absolutely beautiful choir and south choir organ as well as the apse and high altar. The Duke of Wellington Statue, which was made by Alfred Stevens, is the largest monument at the Cathedral.

The Duke is buried in the crypt next to Lord Nelson’s. The cathedral is a place of many memorials from commemorating British military to clergy, famous characters and residents of the local parish. Just to mention: Florence Nightingale, Arthur Sullivan, William Blake or Sir Alexander Fleming. The St Paul’s Cathedral is a beautiful and unique London landmark steeped in historical significance. From Christopher Wrens architectural conception and constructions. As a result, it is one of the most famous Cathedrals in Western Europe. Majestic place of worship, calm and serene venue with incredible interior art.

The views from the whispering gallery are breathtaking. St Paul’s charges an admission fee for sightseers (not for worshipers) and it’s 18 pounds (16 when purchased online). It takes about 2 hours tour to try to grasp on the beauty and complexity of this magnificent venue.

See also London Eye.

 

The most interesting facts according to Connect-Click:

• Among services held at St Paul’s Cathedral there were funerals of well-deserved people such as: Sir Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Lord Nelson or Duke of Wellington.
• Many well-known artists had depicted St Paul’s in its drawings and paintings including: Pissarro, Signac, Derain, Canaletto, Lloyd Rees.

Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD