5 Reasons to Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral

If you haven’t been to St. Paul’s, then you really are missing out on something special. Reaching out to the skies, St. Paul’s Cathedral stands tall with its iconic dome. Step in to discover the fascinating stories, the artwork and the breathtaking interior, not to mention the worship. Here are five good reasons to visit.

The Art

The mosaic ceilings by Sir William Richmond, paintings and sculptures by renowned artists such as Gibbons, and a pulpit designed by Wren are defining artworks of this Baroque masterpiece. The Far East Window depicts the destruction during the Blitz and current reconstruction. Be sure to see the metalwork by Jean Tijou, the fittings by Godfrey Allen and Dykes Bower, and paintings by William Holman Hunt & Henry Moore.

The Whispering Dome and Clock

The Dome extends over the entire nave and aisles of the cathedral. Designed by Wren, pendentives and arches support the dome. The arches and mouldings artfully create the illusion of evenness.

Climb up 99 feet to the cornice and put your ear to the walls of the dome to hear the whispering sounds. While you are up there, take in the spectacular view of London from the galleries situated higher than the dome. It is undoubtedly the best view you will ever have of the city.

The clock in the south-west tower of the cathedral runs to date on the mechanism designed in 1893. Smith of Derby incorporated the mechanism and design from Big Ben by Edward Dent. The clock was cranked up by the custodian until 1969, when electronic equipment was installed to wind it.

Tombs and Memorials

Head down to the crypt to visit the memorials of the great souls interred beneath the cathedral. Wren was the first buried here in 1723. The inscription over his tomb still reads: “Lector, si monumentum requiris, circumspice.” This translates as: “If you want to see his monument, just look around you.” Other well-known personalities buried here include Winston Churchill, the Duke of Wellington, Florence Nightingale and right under the Dome is Nelson, admiral killed at the Battle of Trafalgar 1805.

The Bells

You will see four bells in the south-west tower. Of these, the 16.5 ton bell cast by Tylor’s bell foundry in 1881. This was the largest bell in the British Empire until 2012, when the Olympic Bell was cast for the London Olympics. The bell has not pealed since the chiming mechanism broke some years ago. The Great Tom, moved to St. Paul’s from St. Stephen’s chapel, chimes on the hour and on the demise of a member of the royal family and other leaders.

St Paul’s Cathedral is must-go place, if only to help in the preservation of the cathedral. You can get entry passes online or you can purchase them at the cathedral itself. A guided tour by a multilingual guide is in the price of the ticket. Check out the website for discounts and offers.

Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD  Construction started: 21 June 1675  Opened: 1708  Architects: Christopher Wren, Lorenzo Gafà  Architectural styles: Renaissance architecture, English Baroque  Website: www.stpauls.co.uk

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