St. Paul’s Cathedral, London : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

St. Paul’s Cathedral, London is one of the most iconic and renowned buildings in the world. Located at the highest point of the City of London, it is an English national church of the Anglican Communion and a must-visit for tourists visiting the city. The Cathedral is considered as a symbol of resilience, as it survived the deadly Great Fire of London as well as sustained damage from the German bombardment during World War II. Find out some of the St. Paul’s Cathedral’s interesting aspects, its features, the history behind it, and why it has become one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. Get insider tips on what to expect and where to go with this comprehensive travel guide to the iconic landmark.

Interesting Facts About St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

1. The monument to the Duke of Wellington in front of St. Paul’s Cathedral was the first public work of art to be preserved as a national monument.

2. The library in St. Paul’s Cathedral was designed by British scientist and architect Christopher Wren and still operates as a library today.

3. St. Paul’s Cathedral is built on the site of an earlier Saxon church and there is evidence of a much earlier pagan temple beneath the church.

4. The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Service, commemorating 50 years of her reign, was held at St Paul’s Cathedral in June 2002 and included some 2,000 guests from the UK’s Commonwealth and ecumenical partners.

5. St. Paul’s Cathedral has been the site of many royal weddings, such as the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981.

6. The fresco in The Dome at St. Paul’s Cathedral was painted by Italian artist Gino Severini and completed in 1912.

7. In 2014, St. Paul’s Cathedral installed a wind turbine to become the first carbon-neutral church in the United Kingdom.

8. St. Paul’s Cathedral houses the tombs of many distinguished people, including Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and Britain’s first Prime Minister Robert Walpole.

9. The Whispering Gallery inside St. Paul’s Cathedral is renowned for its unusual acoustic properties- when one stands in a central location and whispers, the sound is said to travel all the way around the gallery.

10. In 1831, Charles Dickens wrote a story about a Victorian family’s visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral in his book The Old Curiosity Shop.

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History & Information About St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

St. Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican church in the City of London, England, and is the seat of the Bishop of London. Built in the 17th century, it is one the most emblematic of London’s buildings. Including its dome, St. Paul’s is the two tallest church in London and the second highest in the United Kingdom. It is based on the Renaissance architectural style and is a classic example of Christopher Wren’s English Baroque architecture.

The cathedral has been a significant building for centuries, having been originally built by the Normans in the twelfth century before being rebuilt in the 17th century by Wren after the previous building was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. It is the site of many important national events, including the funerals of key figures such as Admiral Nelson and Winston Churchill; the weddings of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and Prince William and Catherine Middleton have also both taken place here.

The cathedral’s current form is the result of numerous renovations over the centuries. It was first re-dedicated in 1087 to St. Paul, after which the cathedral underwent major works and repairs in the 12th and 13th centuries. After it was destroyed by the Great Fire, Wren was commissioned to rebuild it and worked from 1675 until 1710, when it was finally consecrated. Wren’s building is now a Grade I listed building and protected from demolition and alteration.

Today, St Paul’s Cathedral is a major London tourist attraction and iconic architectural landmark. It is a place of worship, and welcomed some 9,000 people on its first day as a cathedral, though it can accommodate up to 3,500 people. The cathedral holds daily services, with Eucharist celebrated daily, while the crypt is open to the public. It also houses several tombs and monuments, including Nelson’s tomb. Its vast dome continues to stand as a beacon to British culture, at the center of one of the world’s most powerful cities.

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Travel Guide For Visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

St. Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral located in the City of London, England. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the heart of the city, and it is known for its unique architecture and history.

Travel Guide

1.Getting There: St. Paul’s Cathedral is located in the City of London and is well-serviced by public transportation. The nearest underground stations are St. Paul’s and Mansion House.

2.Opening Times: The cathedral is generally open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. On Sundays, it is open from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

3.Admission: There is an admission fee to enter the cathedral, but visitors can often obtain a discount if they arrive on weekdays before 12 pm.

4.History: St. Paul’s Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 1670s and took 35 years to construct. It is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the city.

5.Walking Tour: There is a free guided tour of the cathedral available and highly recommended for a full historical perspective on the place. The tour starts in the Visitor Centre and ends in the Crypt.

6.Events: St. Paul’s Cathedral is an active place of worship and regularly holds mass throughout the week. Additionally, there are musical events throughout the year, and art installations too.

7.Café: The café at St. Paul’s Cathedral is located in the Crypt and offers a range of delicious food options and beverages. It is the perfect place to take a break after exploring the grand building.

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Frequently Asked Questions About St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

Q: When was St. Paul’s Cathedral built?
A: The earliest parts of the building date back to the 17th century; the building we see today was completed by 1710.

Q: What style of architecture is St. Paul’s Cathedral built in?
A: St. Paul’s Cathedral is an example of English Baroque architecture.

Q: How tall is St. Paul’s Cathedral?
A: St. Paul’s Cathedral is 111 metres (364 feet) tall.

Q: What features does St. Paul’s Cathedral have?
A: St. Paul’s Cathedral features a dome, four porticos, a whispering gallery, a crypt and spectacular views of London from the Golden Gallery, the highest point in the building.

Q: Who designed St. Paul’s Cathedral?
A: Sir Christopher Wren was the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

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