St Paul’s Cathedral, whose dome dominates London’s skyline, is England’s architectural masterpiece & place of national celebration. The cathedral was designed by the famed architect Sir Christopher Wren & 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 & 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 & in 1710 the first official service was led by Bishop Henry Compton, which gave thanks for peace following the war between England & France.
2010 saw the launch of a brand new multimedia guide which is included in the admissions price for all individual visitors. The guide uses film, new photography as well as a detailed commentary to offer an effective interpretation of this unique landmark. Groups benefit from 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 & external restoration work. This work has been completed to co-inside with the 300th anniversary of the present cathedral which is celebrated between 2010 & 2011. St Paul’s is now filled with a wonderful natural light & the true magnificence of the Portland stone, glittering mosaics & 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 further to the Stone & Golden Galleries, which afford panoramic views of the city.
Take time to visit the crypt to view the many tombs & memorials to world-famous Britons, including Nelson & the Duke of Wellington. Visitors will also find the ground breaking ‘ 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. Located in the atmospheric former Treasury in the crypt, 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 & disrepair, before showing them the Great Fire of 1666 & the devastation of London during the Blitz when St Paul’s became a lasting symbol of strength, survival & hope.