St. Paul's Cathedral-London

Monday, June 15, 2009

St. Paul’s Cathedral is dedicated to Christ’s apostle St. Paul. A cathedral dedicated to St. Paul has looked over London since 604 AD. The Cathedral that stands today is the 4th to be built on the site and was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1708, after the previous church was burned down in 1666 during the Great Fire of London. St. Paul’s Cathedral is built of Portland stone in a late Renaissance to Baroque style. The Cathedral’s impressive dome rises 108 meters and is inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It was built in the shape of a cross, and on the inside of this cross-shaped dome are beautiful mosaics. This dome is one of the largest in the world making St. Paul’s Cathedral one of London’s most famous landmarks.
Inside the Cathedral there is a place called the Whispering Gallery. In this area of the Cathedral you can whisper against the walls and can hear what you said on the opposite side. After the Whispering Gallery there is the Golden Gallery that is at the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is 530 steps above ground level and is said to have some of the prettiest views of London. Inside the Cathedral are the monuments dedicated to the Duke of Wellington and to Admiral Nelson. There is also an American Memorial Chapel in the Apse that honors American servicemen and women that died in World War II. In the crypt lie the tombs of the Duke of Wellington, Admiral Nelson, and Sir Christopher Wren. Besides Sir Christopher Wren’s tomb is a stone that bears his architectural mark, and he is surrounded by tombs and memorials of family members.
St Paul’s Cathedral is not only a place of spiritual focus, but is also the location of many important events. St Paul’s Cathedral has held the funerals of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and Sir Winston Churchill; as well as the birthday celebrations for Queen Elizabeth, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. This use of national celebration makes St. Paul’s Cathedral one of London’s most recognized and greatest attractions.

By: Amanda Colton