Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Light of the World
(1904)
Mother and Child (1983)
American Memorial Chapel (Jesus Chapel)
John Donne
Climb the Dome
Crypt
No sooner was Sir Christopher Wren selected to refurbish Old St. Paul's Cathedral than
the Great Fire of 1666 incinerated it. Within a week, Wren had a plan for a whole new
building...and for the city around it, complete with some 50 new churches. For the next
four decades he worked to achieve his vision—a spacious church, topped by a dome, sur-
rounded by a flock of Wrens.
St. Paul's is England's national church. There's been a church on this spot since 604.
It was the symbol of London's rise from the Great Fire of 1666 and of the city's survival
of the Blitz of 1940. It's been the site of important weddings (Prince Charles and Lady
Diana) and state funerals (Prime Ministers Churchill and Thatcher). Architecturally, it's
the masterpiece of England's greatest Neoclassical architect. Today, it's the center of the
Anglican faith. Military buffs will find memorials to many great wars and their war her-
oes. Dome climbers will be rewarded with expansive views over London's skyline.
(See “The City, The Tower, & East London” map,
here
.)
Cost:
£
16 (includes church entry, dome climb, crypt, tour, and audioguide). Free on Sun
but officially open only to worshippers.
Hours:
Mon-Sat 8:30-16:30, last entry for sightseeing at 16:00 (dome opens at 9:30,
last entry at 16:15), closed Sun except for worship. Sometimes closed for special
events—check online. The church is also open Mon-Sat 16:15-18:00 for evening wor-
ship. It's always free to enter the church to worship, but your visit is restricted to the
back of the nave.
