The present building of St Paul's Cathedral dates from the 17th century and is the main seat of the Bishop of the Church of England in London.
It is also the second largest cathedral in Britain after Liverpool's, and its dome has been ranked by many as one of the most beautiful in the world.
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At first glance, it's obvious that the architects of St. Paul's Cathedral were inspired by St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.
Architecture and history
The site on which the cathedral stands, Ludgate Hill, was the site of the first religious building in 604. After the first wooden cathedral burnt down and was subsequently sacked by the Vikings, another was built in stone.
It took over 200 years to rebuild, only for much of it to lie in ashes again in 1136. The temple was completed and consecrated less than 200 years later and long prided itself on its grandeur and the tallest tower in Europe.
By the time of the English religious revolution the cathedral was falling into disrepair and had been looted, or rather sold off. In 1561, the cathedral was struck by lightning and its legendary tower was destroyed. The entire demise of the original cathedral was completed by the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Christopher Wren was commissioned to build the last cathedral as we know it today. The monumental Baroque building with Renaissance ornamental features was completed in 1708.
Dimensions and size of the cathedral
The highest point of the cathedral reaches up to 111 metres, making it the 46th tallest church in the world. With an area of more than 7,700m2 , it is the 21st largest church in the world.
The Golden View in the dome
St Paul's Cathedral in London is also popular from a tourist point of view as one of the most popular sightseeing spots.
Below the top of the dome is the so-called Golden Lookout with a 360° view of the whole of London.
Be aware that there is no lift to the viewpoint and 530 steps to climb.
Admission and opening times
For the tourist public, St Paul's Cathedral is open daily except Sundays from 8:30am-4pm, and on Wednesdays from 10am.
Tickets are priced at 26 gbp for adults when purchased online, while on site you pay 28 gbp. For a full price list, visit the cathedral's website: stpauls.co.uk/visit.
The basic ticket price includes entry to the viewing platform.
How to get to the Cathedral?
St Paul's Cathedral is in central London near City Thameslink station and close to the new Millennium Bridge pedestrian bridge over the Thames.
Nearest tube station:
- St. Paul's - 50 metres, Central line
- Mansion House - 200 metres, District and Circle lines
- Blackfriars - 300 metres, District and Circle lines and train station
Nearest bus stops:
- St. Paul's Cathedral - 75 metres, lines 15, 17, 26, 76
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