Saint Paul's Cathedral

Sights & Landmarks • London, England United Kingdom

This enormous white cathedral and one of London's tallest buildings serves as the seat of the Bishop of London and as a funeral site of important political figures (e.g. Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill). It is also here where Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles in 1981.

The current church was built in the English Baroque style by Sir Christopher Wren, one of the most famous English architects, after the Great Fire of London. Its interior is as imposing as its exterior - note the mosaics on the ceiling (added in the 19th century by William Richmond) and the marble altar from 1958 which replaced the original large Victorian altar damaged during WWII.

The dome is supported by eight arches, reaches 111 meters (366 ft), and contains three galleries - the Whispering Gallery (renowned for its acoustics), the Stone Gallery, and the highest point of the outer dome, the Golden Gallery, which can be reached via 528 steps and offers spectacular views of the city.

While inside the cathedral, do not miss the elaborate crypts, too. The cathedral contains Nelson's Tomb, Wellington's Tomb, and Sir Christopher Wren's Tomb.

St Paul's Cathedral is an active church so be sure to check the calendar of the events on the official website to make sure it will not be closed to the public due to religious events during your visit.