Exploring St. Paul's Cathedral: A Travel Guide to London's Iconic Landmark

Standing atop Ludgate Hill, St. Paul's Cathedral is one of London's most historic and famous landmarks. As the largest church in the city, the seat of the Bishop of London, and the parish church of the British Commonwealth, this iconic site is a must-see stop for any traveller visiting the UK capital.

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Highlights Inside the Cathedral

Visitors stepping into the grand nave can explore a wealth of artistic and architectural treasures. Key features inside include:

• Cathedral Layout and Decor: Discover the expansive nave, chapels, quire, mosaics, and cupola frescos.

• The High Altar Baldachin: Admire the striking baldachin at the high altar, which replaced the previous pink marble altar damaged during the Blitz.

• Tombs and Monuments: Pay respects at various funerary tombs, monuments, and sculptures throughout the building.

• Special Features: Look out for the library, the famous 'Harry Potter' spiral staircase, and a white diamond-shaped floor tile commemorating the St. Paul's Watch volunteers.

The Crypt and Dome Climb

A major highlight of visiting St. Paul's is ascending the magnificent 365-foot dome for views across London. Below the main floor, visitors can also descend into the crypt to view historic tombs and memorials.

History and Royal Connections

Though the current structure designed by English architect Sir Christopher Wren is the fifth church built on this 1,400-year-old site, it holds deep historical significance. It survived WWII bombing with minor damage and has hosted major historical events, including:

• Royal Events: The wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, plus Thanksgiving services for Queen Elizabeth II's Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilees as well as her 80th and 90th birthdays.

• Historic Funerals: Funerals for major national figures such as Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher.

• Notable Visitors: Martin Luther King preached here prior to receiving his Nobel Prize.

Plan Your Visit

Entry tickets are required to tour the interior and scale the dome, with skip-the-line privileges included for holders of the London Pass. Guided options range from a standard 2.5-hour tour covering the cathedral alongside other London viewpoints to a 3-hour private tour, which can be customized to visit lesser-known areas like the triforium and spiral staircase.