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St. Paul’s
Designed by architect Christopher Wren, St. Paul’s Cathedral remains to be one of London’s most beloved landmarks. After 35 years of construction this masterpiece was completed in 1710.
The cathedral stands on the site of four previous cathedrals with the oldest dating back to 604.
Your journey begins at St. Paul’s Station, located north of the cathedral. Walk down the pedestrian lane parallel to the cathedral and through Paternoster Square.
The London Stock Exchange and additional financial organizations are located in the square. TheTemple Bar, Christopher Wren’s stone gateway to mark the western boundary of the city, is located here. After being moved numerous times through the years it was finally relocated here in 2004.
Continue to the south side of the square to visit the cathedral. There is plenty to discover, including the nave, the Whispering Gallery, and the American Memorial Chapel, dedicated to the 28,000 GIs stationed in the United Kingdom who lost their lives during World War II.
St. Paul’s was one of 50 commissions given to Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of London. Some controversy did accompany the rebuilding as many plans were unacceptable to the authorities before the current design was accepted.
St. Paul’s iconic dome is the third largest in the world. The inner dome is 60 feet lower than the outer dome. Christopher Wren’s epitaph, composed by his son, can be found beneath the lantern – “Lector, si monumentum requiris, circumspice” – “Reader if you seek his monument, look around you.”
Climb 250 steps to the Whispering Gallery, a balcony around the cathedral dome where a whisper along one side of the wall can be heard on the other side, 100 feet away.
Climb 118 more steps to arrive at the Stone Gallery where you can enjoy a prime view of the city. Another 153 steps lead to the Golden Gallery, the dome’s highest accessible point.
Following your visit you may want to visit the London Tourist Bureau, south of the cathedral, for further resources for your London visit.
Leaving the tourist bureau, walk east on Watling Street. Head straight to One New Change. Architect Jean Nouvel’s modern building houses a selection of shops and a very fine view of St. Paul’s from the rooftop cafe.
Your next stop is St. Mary le Bow, another Christopher Wren design. Turn left on Bow Lane, then right to reach the church. St. Mary le Bow was destroyed during World War II, having been rebuilt following the war.
To complete today’s excursion backtrack to Watling and continue east. Turn right on Queen Street, left on Cannon Street to the Cannon tube station.
More to Explore
St. Paul’s Cathedral Visitor Information – Resources for planning your visit.
Worship – As a working church, worship is at the heart of St Paul’s Cathedral. Day by day, throughout the year, we come together to pray, sing, be still, and reflect as many have done in this place for generations
English Cathedrals – With a focus on St. Paul’s.
Google Arts & Culture – St Paul’s Cathedral is the Anglican cathedral for London, a religious centre and an architectural gem.
YouTube – The official St. Paul’s Cathedral channel.
Celebrate!
Heritage Treasures Day (UK) – Heritage Treasures Day is marked on January 11 of every year. It’s the perfect day to let everyone know about your unique heritage.
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens – Easily accessible from the Kew Gardens tube station, this World Heritage Site offers a full day of discovery.
St. James London – Join me on an arts and culture tour featuring art galleries and fine men’s fashion.
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