St Paul's Cathedral, praised as an ecclesiastical masterpiece, is the seat of the Bishop of London. The church has hosted major events, from art installations to state funerals of Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher and royal weddings like that of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. It also contains the world's largest dome, which stands at 366 feet in height. Read on to learn more about St Paul’s dome, its design, what's inside, and more!

About the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral

Wren was awestruck when he saw Michelangelo's dome at St Peter's Basilica and Mansart's Church of the Val-de-Grâce. Unlike those of St Peter's and Val-de-Grâce, the dome of St Paul's rises in two clearly defined stories of masonry, totaling around 95 feet when combined with a lower unadorned footing. The 3-dome structure allows the inner dome to rise proportionately to the architecture while appearing massive and magnificent from the outside. The peristyle bolsters the inner dome and the brick cone that rises inside to support the lantern.

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The design of St Paul’s dome

The exterior

St Paul's dome stands tall at 365 feet, resembling a majestic layered structure envisioned by Sir Christopher Wren. Picture a grand tiered cake: intricately decorated inside, supported by a sturdy middle layer, and adorned with an impressive outer shell. Wren's design, complemented by an elegant base, offers visual allure and structural resilience, with its gleaming grey exterior contrasting the cathedral's pale stone walls.

The interior

Beneath the dome of St Paul's Cathedral, you'll encounter a captivating sight. Supported by eight sturdy arches, the expansive dome boasts towering paintings depicting scenes from St. Paul's life. These intricate artworks, spanning over 6,000 square feet, infuse the space with grandeur and narrative richness. Natural light pours in through the oculus, illuminating the paintings and enveloping the whole space with a dreamy aura.

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What's inside the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral

The Whispering Gallery

The Whispering Gallery is the cathedral’s standout attraction. It is a circular promenade 30m above the ground that hugs the dome’s base and provides a dizzying view of the cathedral floor far below. The unique design of this gallery can carry the tiniest of sounds anywhere within. Whisper along the curved wall, and someone can hear you from elsewhere along the same wall, even on the opposite side!

The Stone Gallery

Ascend 259 steps to reach the Stone Gallery, a stunning vantage point 30m above ground level. Enclosed by a balustraded balcony, this gallery offers unparalleled panoramic views of London and the cathedral floor. Adorned with alternating pilasters and rectangular windows, it exudes an airy ambiance, providing a captivating perspective of the city's skyline and the cathedral's architectural grandeur.

The Golden Gallery

Perched atop St Paul's dome, the Golden Gallery offers panoramic views of London, with views of Blackfriars Bridge, the Faraday Building, the Southbank Tower, the London Eye, and The Shard after a 528-step climb. Its exterior, adorned with gold leaf, glistens in sunlight. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1708, it boasts eight robust pillars of Portland stone, ensuring stability.

The Ball and Lantern

The golden ball and lantern crowning the dome of St Paul's Cathedral are striking architectural features, adding to its majestic silhouette. With a cross atop, the ball stands 23 feet tall and weighs 7 tons. Though not accessible to the public, they imbue the cathedral with grandeur. Roosted at the dome's peak, the lantern provides an awe-inspiring view, elevating the cathedral's iconic status in London's skyline.

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Climbing the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral

The three-domed construction of St Paul's Cathedral is unique. To see all the galleries in the dome, you must climb 528 steps. There is no elevator or lift access to the dome. Although this number is quite large, the climb to the top of the dome allows you to see the gorgeous skyline of London.

Climbing the St Paul's dome involves physical strain, but it must be attempted only if you think it is safe for you. If you feel that you will be unable to make it to the top, please don't attempt to climb the dome, as the way up is separate from the way down.

Frequently Asked Questions about the dome of St Paul's Cathedral

Are there rest areas along the climb to the dome?

Yes, there are rest areas with benches strategically placed along the ascent for visitors to take breaks if needed.

What are the best times to visit St Paul's dome to avoid crowds?

Early mornings and late afternoons, especially on weekdays, are ideal for avoiding the largest crowds. Visiting during off-peak seasons like late autumn or early spring can also provide a quieter experience.

How long should I plan to spend at the dome of St Paul's Cathedral?

To fully experience the dome, including the ascent and time to enjoy the views, allocate at least 1 to 1.5 hours. If you plan to explore the entire cathedral, consider spending around 2 to 3 hours.

Is there a time limit on visits to the dome?

There is no strict time limit, but most visitors spend about 30 minutes exploring the Dome. This does not include the time required for the ascent. During peak times, it’s courteous to keep your visit brief to allow others to enjoy the space.

Can I take photographs inside the dome?

Photography is allowed inside the dome but without flash. The interior lighting is sufficient for capturing the beauty of the space.

Are children allowed to visit the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral?

Yes, children are welcome to visit the dome. However, parents should be aware that the climb is steep and might be challenging for younger children.

Is there a specific route recommended for visiting the dome?

Visitors typically start with the cathedral's ground floor, then ascend to the Whispering Gallery, followed by the Stone Gallery, and finally the Golden Gallery at the top. This route ensures a gradual climb with rest points and the best views.