The city of London is blessed with wonderful religious edifices that you will never forget once you visit them. From all London’s architectural masterpieces, St. Paul’s Cathedral is my favorite one.
Situated atop Ludgate Hill, close to the River Thames, the cathedral seems to dominate the skyline with its impressive dome. It is said that St. Paul’s Cathedral has the second largest dome in the world and I have to confess that it was actually the first thing that caught my attention when I saw the cathedral. I still remember how tired I was that evening when I saw the dome for the first time. I was barely able to walk when I suddenly saw the silhouette of the cathedral, somewhere at the top of the hill. I stayed still for a few moments and I simply stared at that architectural masterpiece.
Its exterior is remarkable and it made me understand why the cathedral is considered one of the most famous and recognizable sights in London. In addition, St. Paul’s Cathedral played an important role in the history of London. From state funerals to royal weddings, the cathedral turned out to be the right place for all these important events. In case you didn’t know this is the place where Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer got married.
The interior of the cathedral is equally gorgeous and shrouded in a special vibe which gave me a feeling of deep inner peace. The floor and the walls of the cathedral portray important symbols and religious scenes. For example, the dome depicts eight scenes from St. Paul’s life. Besides admiring the beautifully painted interior, you can also go up the dome and explore the Whispering Gallery, the Stone Gallery and the Golden Gallery. You can also go down in the crypt and see the memorials of some historical British figures such as Sir Christopher Wren and Admiral Lord Nelson. A unique activity is taking a step back in time and enjoying a 270° film experience in Oculus, that brings 1400 years of history to life. This space uses projection technology to render fascinating images from the history of the cathedral.
You have to pay an entrance fee of £18 to visit the interior of St. Paul’s Cathedral, but it is worth every penny. As a tip, the ticket is cheaper if you buy it online. There are also a lot of events and moments of prayer, when the entrance is free of charge. All things considered, make sure you add this amazing cathedral to your trip list.