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Cathedrals in Ludgate Hill, London
St Paul's Cathedral
Ludgate Hill
London
EC4M 8AD
Tel: +44(0)20 7236 4128
Fax: +44(0)20 7248 3104
Email: click here
St Paul's Cathedral online: information and bookings
St Paul’s Cathedral, whose dome dominates London’s skyline, is England’s architectural masterpiece and place of national celebration. The cathedral was designed by the famed architect Sir Christopher Wren and is considered as Wren’s definitive achievement. The present cathedral was built with the approval of King Charles II following the Great Fire of London of 1666. The cathedral took 35 years to build from 1675 – 1710, spanning the lives of five monarchs. The quire was the first point of construction and where the first service was held in 1697. Wren witnessed the laying of the last stone by his son in 1708. 1709 saw the admittance of the first paying tourist and in 1710 the first official service was led by Bishop Henry Compton, which gave thanks for peace following the war between England and France. Over the centuries the cathedral has changed to reflect shifting tastes and attitudes. Decoration has been added and removed, services have been updated, and different areas have been put to different uses.
2010 saw the launch of a brand new multimedia guide which is included in the admission price for all individual visitors and available in 11 different languages plus British Sign Language and an English version tailored to family visitors. The guide uses film, new photography as well as a detailed commentary to offer an effective interpretation of this unique landmark. Tours of the cathedral floor and crypt led by cathedral guides run four times daily; these are joined on arrival and last 90 minutes and at no extra cost. Groups benefit from the provision of a new group tour system whereby a tour leader can communicate clearly to all group members using a transmitter to individual receivers.
Once blackened by pollution, St Paul’s has undergone five years of careful internal and external restoration work. This work has been completed to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the present cathedral which is celebrated in 2011. St Paul’s is now filled with a wonderful natural light and the true magnificence of the Portland stone, glittering mosaics and the Thornhill paintings which adorn the inside of the dome can be fully appreciated.
Visitors can climb the 257 steps to the Whispering Gallery to test the unique acoustics. Climb 119 further steps to the Stone Gallery and then 152 final steps to the Golden Gallery, both affording panoramic views of the city from 53 metres and 85 metres high respectively.
Take time to visit the crypt to view the many tombs and memorials to world-famous Britons, including Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. Visitors will also find the award winning ‘Oculus; an eye into St Paul’s’ exhibition located in the crypt. The first project of its kind in a cathedral, Oculus is a 270˚ film experience that brings 1400 years of history to life. Oculus takes visitors to Saxon London amidst the construction of the first St Paul’s in 604AD, through the buildings on the site that have fallen to fire and disrepair, before showing them the Great Fire of 1666 and the devastation of London during the Blitz when St Paul’s became a lasting symbol of strength, survival and hope.
With Disabled Access: Yes
Facilities
• Cathedral
• Private Group Tours
• School Tours Available
• Restaurant
• Shop
• Tea Room
Weddings and Conferences
CORPORATE EVENTS IN LONDON, EC4
The architectural masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren, St Paul’s Cathedral, offers a unique venue in the heart of the City for Corporate Events. There are a number of different and exceptional event spaces available to hire in and around St Paul’s. The Cathedral can accommodate from 2 to 75 delegates for meetings and conferences, up to 250 people for a seated dinner, and up to 350 for receptions. St Paul’s Cathedral works with some of London’s most prestigious caterers who offer a bespoke service and great attention to detail. St Paul’s also have a number of recommended suppliers who can assist with providing lighting, flowers and entertainment for events. The Cathedral’s dedicated Corporate Events Team would also be delighted to offer advice and assistance to make your event a success. Each event at St Paul’s can be tailored to your needs, and to make your experience particularly memorable it is possible to have a tour of the Cathedral or, for larger events, to organise a short concert as part of your evening. St Paul’s is the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of London, one of the greatest cities in the world, which it has served for over 1,400 years. Widely considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful buildings, the Cathedral, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late seventeenth century, has become a potent symbol of the life of the nation.
In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting
