St Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most famous landmarks, stands proudly at the highest point in the City of London. An Anglo-Saxon church dedicated to Paul the Apostle was first founded here, on top of Ludgate Hill in the year 604. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666, the cathedral was completed in 1710 and has since played a central role in many of the nation’s most important events, including the funerals of Lord Nelson and Winston Churchill, and the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer. This iconic English Baroque structure is known for its magnificent dome, which dominates the skyline. The dome, one of the largest in the world, stands 111 m (365 ft) tall and features three galleries—the Whispering Gallery, the Stone Gallery, and the Golden Gallery. Visitors can climb over 500 steps to reach the top of the dome, where breathtaking panoramic views of London await. The Whispering Gallery, located inside the dome, is famous for its unique acoustics, where a whisper against the wall can be heard clearly on the opposite side. Situated behind the clock face in the southwest tower is the bell named Great Tom. This famous bell chimes on the hour, every hour, but is also tolled on significant occasions such as for the deaths of senior members of the Royal Family. The marble statue that stands to the west of St. Paul’s Cathedral was built in 1885 and depicts Queen Anne wearing a golden crown, holding a gilded orb and sceptre. The four figures around the base represent Britannia (with golden trident), France (with fleur-de-lys), Ireland (with harp) and North America (with bow and arrow). St. Paul’s survived heavy bombing during World War II and became a symbol of resilience for Londoners. Today, it remains a place of worship, a historical monument, and a popular tourist destination, offering visitors both spiritual and architectural inspiration in the heart of the city.