London
Price £25
Min age 0
Rating 4.50 / 5 [895 ratings]
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
St Paul’s Cathedral, the greatest achievement of 17th-century architect Sir Christopher Wren
Instantly recognisable, and one of London’s best-loved monuments, St Paul’s Cathedral was the greatest achievement of 17th-century architect Sir Christopher Wren. Taking 33 years to build, it was declared officially complete on Christmas Day 1711 (although work continued for some time after) and remained the tallest building in London until 1967. Through astonishing luck – or perhaps divine intervention – St Paul’s survived (virtually unscathed) the 1940 World War II bombing blitz – and the ensuing fire – that flattened or destroyed almost every other building for miles around it.
Still the second largest cathedral in the UK, the church is famed for the height of its vast dome (111m) and the incredible acoustics of the Whispering Gallery. Legend has it that if you stand on one side of the gallery and whisper along the wall, someone listening on the opposite side (33m away) will be able to hear you.
The Whispering Gallery sits 30m above the nave, but the Golden Gallery – some 55m higher – offers the greatest treat. An outdoor walkway that wraps around the highest point of the dome, the views across London are spectacular.
Down below, the crypt is the final resting place of Wellington, Nelson, and Wren himself. A daily pattern of prayer and evensong are at the heart of Cathedral life, with all-comers welcome.
The nearest Underground station is St Paul’s (Central Line). There are free, daily guided tours of the cathedral, plus self-guided audio tours, which give a bit of extra background.
It’s open to visitors all year round, usually Monday to Saturday. It’s open Sunday for religious services only.
The Christian holidays – notably Easter and Christmas – are marked by beautiful services. The advent season at St Paul’s attracts thousands for its programme of carols and concerts.
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London
Price £25
Min age 0
Rating 4.50 / 5 [895 ratings]
Tour supplied by: