St Paul’s Cathedral is London’s most popular architectural landmark. Its world-famous dome dominates the city skyline and is undoubtedly, a sight to behold. The cathedral is also the seat of the Bishop of London and is a destination that you must explore if you’re planning a trip to the historically rich UK capital. A work of English Baroque architecture by Sir Christopher Wren, the St. Paul Cathedral, only minutes away from the luxurious and amenity-rich Barbican Rooms Hotel, is one of the most important architectural works of the period. If you’re looking for a beautiful and inspiring place to visit in London, the cathedral is open to both public tours and religious services all through the week, except Sundays.
Read on to plan your visit to St. Paul Cathedral, while you enjoy a luxe stay at your hotel in London city, perfect for your upcoming family trip!
About St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is the world’s most magnificent building, standing tall on Ludgate Hill for over 1,400 years, the highest point in the city of London. The Cathedral’s most distinguishing feature is its lead-covered dome, topping the list as one of the world’s largest and tallest domes.
Here’s the catch: To get to the top of the dome, you must climb 1,161 steps! However, the stunning 360-degree views of London from here, including that of the majestic River Thames, make it a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.
The History
Get a sneak peek into the history of this historical gem and know exactly what led to the making of this beautiful cathedral, very close to your hotel near Barbican London!
The first cathedral was built here in 604 AD by Saint Mellitus and Saint Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory to establish Christianity in England. Unfortunately, this cathedral was destroyed by a fire in 962 AD. A second cathedral was built on the site in 1087 AD which was much larger and more elaborate than the first and stood for almost 600 years. After the Great Fire, Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to design a new cathedral for London.
Wren’s design was a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture, and it took 35 years to complete. The St. Paul Cathedral has stood proudly on Ludgate Hill ever since.
Why Must You Visit the Iconic Cathedral?
Given the masterpiece that St Paul’s Cathedral is, it’s known for its beautifully decorated interiors made with marble, mosaics, and stained glass, a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. Its dome is one of the most recognisable sights in London and offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the city.
The cathedral is open to visitors from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 8 am to 6 pm on Sunday. To get here, the nearest tube station is St. Paul’s Underground station, only a 3-minute walk from the cathedral. Now that you have made up your mind to pay a visit to this iconic spot in London, you can also take free self-guided tours, guided tours led by a knowledgeable guide, or tower tours that take you to the top of the dome for some splendid views.
A true work of art and a symbol of resilience and hope, the St. Paul Cathedral in London, is sure to leave you awe-inspired. So, put an end to the waiting and book yourself a stay at the Barbican Rooms Hotel with top-notch amenities, and the most sophisticated rooms including the best meeting rooms in London city.
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