Uncovering the Secrets of St. Paul's Cathedral: A Must-See Landmark in London

St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in London, England. It is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture that has been standing tall for over 300 years. It is a symbol of the city’s resilience and has witnessed many significant events in London’s history. But, there is more to St. Paul’s Cathedral than just its stunning beauty. In this article, we will uncover the secrets of St. Paul’s Cathedral and why it is a must-see landmark in London.

History of St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 7th century. The first church built on the site was a wooden structure dedicated to the apostle Paul. It was destroyed by fire in 962, and a new church was built in its place. This church was also destroyed, and a third church was built, which was destroyed during the Norman Conquest in 1066.

In the 12th century, a new cathedral was built, which was enlarged and modified over the next several centuries. However, by the 17th century, the cathedral was in a state of disrepair and needed extensive renovations. In 1666, a great fire swept through London, and the cathedral was destroyed.

Christopher Wren, one of England’s greatest architects, was commissioned to design and rebuild the cathedral. The new St. Paul’s Cathedral was built between 1675 and 1710 and is considered to be one of Wren’s greatest achievements. It is a testament to his skill and creativity, and his design has stood the test of time.

Secrets of St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a treasure trove of secrets and mysteries that have fascinated visitors for centuries. Here are some of the secrets of St. Paul’s Cathedral:

Whispering Gallery

One of the most fascinating secrets of St. Paul’s Cathedral is the Whispering Gallery. It is a circular walkway that runs around the interior of the dome, about 100 feet above the floor. If you whisper against the wall on one side of the gallery, the sound can be heard clearly on the opposite side, about 112 feet away. This acoustic phenomenon is due to the circular shape of the gallery and the way it reflects sound waves.

Crypt

The crypt of St. Paul’s Cathedral is the final resting place of many notable figures in English history, including Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and Sir Christopher Wren himself. The crypt is also home to many memorials and monuments that commemorate famous people and events in English history.

Geometric Staircase

Another secret of St. Paul’s Cathedral is the Geometric Staircase, which leads up to the Whispering Gallery. It is a stunning spiral staircase made of stone that has a unique geometric design. The stairs are so perfectly proportioned that they appear to be a single piece of stone.

Great West Door

The Great West Door of St. Paul’s Cathedral is the main entrance and is one of the most impressive features of the cathedral. It is made of bronze and has intricate carvings that depict scenes from the life of St. Paul. Above the door is a massive round window called the Great Rose Window, which is made of stained glass and is one of the largest in the world.

Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery

The Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery are two outdoor observation decks that offer stunning views of London. The Stone Gallery is located at the base of the dome, and the Golden Gallery is at the very top of the cathedral. The Golden Gallery is the highest point in London that is open.

Finley Stone

The Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery are two of the most popular and awe-inspiring features of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Golden Gallery is located above the Stone Gallery and is the highest point in the cathedral that is open to the public. It is 280 feet above the floor and provides stunning views of the city from every direction. To reach the Golden Gallery, visitors must climb a narrow spiral staircase of 528 steps. The Golden Gallery is a small outdoor balcony that encircles the top of the dome, providing a unique perspective of the city below.

The Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery are not only popular among tourists, but they also hold great significance in the history of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The galleries were added to the cathedral during the renovations carried out by Christopher Wren in the late 17th century. The galleries were designed to be a place of meditation and reflection, and they offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of the cathedral from different perspectives.

Visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is open to visitors seven days a week, and tickets can be purchased online or at the door. The cathedral is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with last admission at 4 pm. Visitors are advised to check the website for any closures or events that may affect opening times. When visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral, it is important to dress appropriately. The cathedral is a place of worship, and visitors are expected to dress modestly. Shorts, bare shoulders, and flip-flops are not allowed inside the cathedral. Guided tours of St. Paul’s Cathedral are available and are highly recommended. The tours offer visitors a deeper understanding of the history and architecture of the cathedral and provide access to areas that are not open to the public. Audio guides are also available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

Conclusion

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a must-see landmark in London that offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich history and culture. The cathedral’s stunning beauty, intricate design, and fascinating secrets make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. The Whispering Gallery, Crypt, Geometric Staircase, Great West Door, and Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery are just a few of the features that make St. Paul’s Cathedral a must-see attraction. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or just looking for a stunning view of the city, St. Paul’s Cathedral has something for everyone.

FAQs

Is photography allowed inside St. Paul’s Cathedral?

Photography is allowed inside St. Paul’s Cathedral, but visitors are asked to refrain from using flash photography. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the cathedral.

Are there any age restrictions for visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral?

There are no age restrictions for visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral. However, parents are advised that the spiral staircases leading to the Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery can be challenging for young children or people with mobility issues. It is recommended that visitors wear comfortable shoes and take breaks as needed.