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St. Paul's Cathedral London | History, Facts, Highlights & More

St. Paul’s Cathedral, a 300-year-old masterpiece by Sir Christopher Wren, stands as an iconic symbol in London. Perched atop Ludgate Hill, it's been a site of worship for over 1400 years. Surviving fires and wars, its majestic dome represents prid...

Founded On

1710

Founded By

Sir Christopher Wren

St Paul Cathedral

Quick information

ADDRESS

St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, UK

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

8:30am–4:30pm

VISITORS PER YEAR

2000000

TICKETS

From £ 25

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

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Did you know?

St Paul's Cathedral is the fourth church to be built on the site.

St Paul's Cathedral has one of the largest domes in the world, with a height of 366 feet.

The Whispering Gallery in the cathedral is built in such a way that if you whisper in one end of the room, you can hear it in the other end!

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About St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral in London, completed in 1710 by Christopher Wren, is a masterful fusion of Neoclassical, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. Its splendid interior features elaborate ironwork, exquisite woodcarvings, and ornate decorations. The cathedral showcases a diverse art collection symbolizing British history and offers a profound cultural experience in London's core.

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Quick facts about St. Paul's Cathedral

Official name: Cathedral Church of St Paul the Apostle
Address: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom
Date of opening: 1710
Timings: 8:30am to 4:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 10am to 4:30pm on Wednesday
Architect: Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke
Architectural style: Renaissance architecture and English Baroque architecture
Number of visitors per year: About 20,00,000
Function: Anglican church

Plan your visit to St. Paul's Cathedral

Timings

Getting There

Opening hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) and 10am to 4:30pm (Wednesday)

Closed on: Sunday

Best time to visit: The optimal time to explore St. Paul's Cathedral is in the early morning, particularly between 8:30am and 10am, when visitor numbers are lower, allowing for a more tranquil and spacious experience.

Address: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom

Find on Maps

St. Paul's Cathedral is centrally located in London's historic district, easily accessible from St. Paul's Underground station on the Central Line.

Nearest landmark: Millenium Bridge (0.3 km)

St Paul’s Cathedral highlights

The West Front

The West Front of St. Paul's Cathedral is distinguished by a grand portico supported by towering columns, leading to an upper colonnade and a detailed pediment. This pediment features Francis Bird’s bas-relief, "The Conversion of St. Paul." Above, statues of Saints Paul, James, and Peter adorn the facade, complemented by two imposing bell towers.

The Dome

St. Paul's Cathedral features a remarkable double-shelled dome, the second largest globally, standing 366 feet tall with a cross atop. This architectural marvel comprises an outer dome, a supportive brick cone, and an inner dome inspired by Michelangelo's St. Peter's Basilica but enhanced with additional structural supports.

The Interiors

St. Paul's Cathedral is designed for unobstructed views of the altar and pulpit, ensuring full engagement with the Mass. The interior, bathed in natural light from the dome and transept windows, features choir stalls and an organ. The area near the high altar, restored with mosaics after Blitz damage, includes a chapel honoring American WWII service members.

The Apse

The eastern end of St. Paul's Cathedral features the High Altar and Apse, dedicated in 1958 as the American Memorial Chapel. Funded by donations, it commemorates over 28,000 Americans who served in the UK during WWII, with their names inscribed in the Roll of Honour at the chapel's altar.

The High Altar

The High Altar of St. Paul's Cathedral, crafted from a four-ton slab of Italian marble based on Sir Christopher Wren's original sketches, memorializes WWII casualties. Atop the altar sits a nearly 10-foot-tall cross adorned with stone and silver, flanked by two five-foot gilded candlesticks. An oak canopy, added in 1958, crowns the ensemble.

The Clocks and the Bells

Flanking St. Paul's West Front are the Baroque-style West Towers. The southwest tower houses a clock with three faces and two bells, Great Tom and Great Paul. Great Paul, once the UK's largest bell until 2012, tolls for significant events, while Great Tom chimes hourly and marks Royal family deaths, Bishop or Lord Mayor of London passings.

The West Towers

The West Towers of St. Paul's Cathedral anchor the West Front in Baroque style. The southwest tower features a tri-faced clock and harbors the bells, Great Tom and Great Paul. Conversely, the northwest tower's upper section remains unfilled. Both buildings, with robust walls and Corinthian columns, are complemented by chapels behind them.

The Churchyards

The North and South Churchyards of St. Paul's Cathedral are steeped in historical significance. Redesigned in 2008, the South Churchyard mirrors the layout of Old St. Paul's Cathedral. Both areas offer secluded garden spaces for events and have been central to London's social and intellectual life, with the North Churchyard hosting gatherings since 1236.

St. Paul’s Cross

St. Paul's Cross, once an eminent preaching cross and open-air pulpit in the grounds of Old St. Paul's Cathedral, London, was a pivotal public platform during the Tudor and early Stuart periods. It hosted significant political and religious announcements and served as a gathering point for sermons and civic rituals until its destruction in the 17th century.

History of St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral, an iconic London landmark, has a rich history that extends over 1,400 years. The original church, dedicated to St. Paul, was founded in AD 604 by King Ethelbert of Kent. Subsequent fires and wars necessitated several reconstructions, culminating in the medieval Gothic-style Old St. Paul's, erected in the late 11th century and enduring until the Great Fire of London in 1666. Sir Christopher Wren's design for the current structure was executed between 1675 and 1710, featuring an iconic dome that reaches 365 feet, completed in 1710. Over the centuries, it has been restored, notably between 1925 and 1930. St. Paul's has been the venue for significant national events, including state funerals and royal weddings, continuing to serve as an important site of worship and a symbol of national heritage.

Who built St. Paul's Cathedral?

Christopher Wren

Renowned English architect Christopher Wren designed St. Paul's Cathedral after the Great Fire of London in 1666. Through five evolving plans that blended medieval and Baroque elements, his work culminated in 1710 with an iconic dome. Wren's 35-year effort on St. Paul's solidified his legacy as a pivotal figure in architectural history.

Robert Hooke

Renowned scientist and architect Robert Hooke played a crucial role in designing St. Paul's Cathedral alongside Sir Christopher Wren. Hooke provided essential mathematical and engineering insights, particularly for the dome's curvature, and as City Surveyor, he oversaw London's reconstruction after the 1666 Great Fire.

Architecture of St. Paul's Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke designed St. Paul's Cathedral, a masterful blend of Renaissance and English Baroque architecture. The exterior features a Baroque façade with Corinthian columns and towers, while the interior adopts Neoclassical elements, including a complex three-dome structure. Traditional English cathedral layouts influence it, boasting a long nave and pronounced transepts. Wren's use of mathematics and strategic lighting enhances the harmonious, expansive atmosphere within.

Additional information about St. Paul's Cathedral

Cathedral's presence on the screen

St. Paul's Cathedral, celebrated for its architectural splendor and historical importance, has featured prominently in numerous films, TV shows, and documentaries. Its notable appearances include "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962), "Mary Poppins" (1964), various episodes of "Doctor Who," "Lifeforce" (1985), "The Madness of King George" (1994), and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" (2004). These representations underscore its status as an enduring symbol and iconic London landmark.

St. Paul's Cathedral art projects

St. Paul's Cathedral has hosted several significant art installations with contemporary expression. In 2014, to mark the centenary of World War I, artist Gerry Judah created a striking nave sculpture depicting a charred tree, symbolizing war's devastation. That same year, American artist Bill Viola introduced "Martyrs," a permanent video installation that explores themes of suffering and martyrdom. Earlier, in 2007, Martin Firrell's "Question Mark Inside" posed reflective questions about life's meaning and the cathedral's contemporary relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Paul’s Cathedral in London

How old is St. Paul's Cathedral?

The oldest records of a church constructed for St Paul is from 604 AD. However, the current building of St. Paul's Cathedral has only been standing since 1675 and is 349 years old.

How big is St. Paul's Cathedral Dome?

The diameter of St. Paul's Cathedral from the outside is 34 m.

How long does it take to cover St. Paul’s Cathedral London?

You will need at least 2 hours to cover all the highlights of St. Paul’s Cathedral London.

Who is buried inside St. Paul’s Cathedral?

The crypt at the Paul’s Cathedral London buries several great men. This includes Sir Christopher Wren, and two greatest heroes of England - Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

What is held at St. Paul’s Cathedral today?

St. Paul’s Cathedral London holds over 200 memorials, a chapel, and a treasury.

Can anyone attend worship services at St. Paul's Cathedral?

Yes, everyone is welcome to attend the daily services.

Where can I park near St. Paul's Cathedral?

No on-site parking is available, but public parking facilities are nearby.

Does St. Paul's Cathedral have facilities for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the cathedral is accessible to wheelchair users and has facilities for visitors with disabilities.

What special events take place at St. Paul's Cathedral?

The cathedral hosts various events, including special services, lectures, musical recitals, and seasonal concerts.

Can I climb to the top of the dome, and what are the physical requirements?

Yes, visitors can climb to the dome's galleries. It involves climbing several stairs, so a moderate fitness level is required.