St Paul's Cathedral: Wren's Dome That Survived the Blitz

You've climbed more than 500 steps, up wide staircases, then narrow spirals, then iron stairs squeezed between the layers of the dome, and finally you step out onto a tiny balcony at the very top. The wind tugs at your coat, and London lies spread out in every direction: the Thames winding past bridges and towers, the glass skyscrapers of the City, the green parks to the west. Below your feet curves one of the most famous domes in the world, rebuilt from the ashes of a burnt city more than three hundred years ago.

St Paul's Cathedral, on Ludgate Hill in the City of London, is the masterpiece of the architect Sir Christopher Wren and one of the great buildings of Europe. This guide explains its story and how to visit.

A site of worship for 1,400 years

A church dedicated to St Paul has stood on this hill since the year 604. The medieval cathedral, Old St Paul's, was one of the largest churches in Europe, with an immensely tall spire, until it was struck by lightning in the 16th century and later fell into decay.

The Great Fire of London

In September 1666, the Great Fire of London swept through the city, destroying thousands of houses, dozens of churches and Old St Paul's. Christopher Wren, a brilliant scientist and astronomer turned architect, was given the task of designing a new cathedral. After several rejected designs, construction began in 1675, and the cathedral was declared complete in 1711. Wren also rebuilt more than fifty other churches across the City.

The dome and its secrets

The dome, one of the largest in the world, rises more than 110 metres above the ground. It's actually three domes in one: an inner dome, which you see from inside the cathedral; an outer dome, covered in lead, which gives the building its famous silhouette; and between them, a hidden brick cone that supports the heavy stone lantern on top. This clever design allowed Wren to create a dome that looks perfect from both inside and outside.

Climbing the galleries

Visitors can climb to three galleries. The Whispering Gallery, inside the dome, is famous for its acoustics: a whisper against the wall on one side can be heard clearly on the other. Higher up, the Stone Gallery, outside the dome, offers wide views over London. Finally, the Golden Gallery, at the top of the outer dome, more than 500 steps from the cathedral floor, rewards you with a breathtaking panorama.

The crypt

Beneath the cathedral, the crypt is one of the largest in Europe and the resting place of many national heroes, including Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, as well as artists and scientists. Wren himself is buried here under a simple slab, with a Latin inscription that invites visitors to look around them if they seek his monument.

Surviving the Blitz

During the Second World War, German bombing raids devastated London. On the night of 29 December 1940, firebombs rained down on the City, and a famous photograph showed the dome of St Paul's rising unharmed above the smoke and flames. Volunteers of the St Paul's Watch fought fires on the roof throughout the war. The cathedral became a symbol of London's resilience.

Great occasions

St Paul's has hosted many national events, including the funeral of Winston Churchill in 1965, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, and services of thanksgiving for royal jubilees.

Things not to miss

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  Test the acoustics of the Whispering Gallery.
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  Climb to the Golden Gallery for the best view.
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  Visit the tombs of Nelson and Wellington in the crypt.
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  Find Wren's simple grave and inscription.
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  Admire the mosaics of the quire.
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  Walk across the Millennium Bridge to Tate Modern.

How to get there

The cathedral is a few minutes' walk from St Paul's tube station, on the Central line, and close to Mansion House and Blackfriars stations.

Tickets and opening hours

Sightseeing tickets, which include the galleries and crypt, are cheaper online. The cathedral is open for sightseeing on most days except Sundays, when it's open only for worship. Check current details before you go.

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are quieter. The climb to the galleries is best on a clear day.

Frequently asked questions

How many steps are there to the top? More than 500 to the Golden Gallery.

Who designed St Paul's? Sir Christopher Wren.

How long should I spend there? Two to three hours, including the climb.

Stand in the Golden Gallery with the city spread out around you, and you'll understand why Wren's dome has watched over London through fire, war and peace for more than three centuries.