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St Paul’s Cathedral architecture I Construction and design
St Paul's Cathedral architectural style
Religious importance aside, the Anglican St Paul's Cathedral (the largest cathedral in England) is a site tourists from far and near visit because of its Renaissance and English Baroque architecture styles. Sir Christopher Wren created the cathedral's famous 'three nested domes' — a hemispherical outer dome to dominate the skyline, a steeper inner dome, and a hidden middle dome. The dome was an entirely new architectural form before Wren's creation! Inspired by contemporary Renaissance trends in Italian architecture and his precursor Borromini, Wren also incorporated Corinthian columns and towers in the facade.
St Paul’s Cathedral architects
Sir Christopher Wren
Influenced by Italian and Baroque styles observed during his visit to Paris, Christopher Wren, in his 50-year career, designed 53 London churches, including St Paul's Cathedral. Following the Great Fire of London in 1666, he proposed reconstructing St Paul's with a dome, which was met with disagreements from the royals and English clergy.
Robert Hooke
Robert Hooke, an English scientist and architect, collaborated closely with Wren in designing St Paul's Cathedral. Though less celebrated than Wren, Hooke's contributions were notable, particularly in shaping the dome's structure. His theories, published in anagram form, influenced the cathedral's structural design.
St Paul’s Cathedral construction
Initiation and early designs
St Paul's Cathedral saw three iterations before Christopher Wren's masterpiece. The first cathedral, founded in 604 AD, marked the beginning of this long history on Ludgate Hill. The second, started in 1087, was destroyed, prompting the creation of the Old St Paul's Cathedral, a Gothic marvel with a towering spire, which was ultimately destroyed by the Great Fire of 1666.
Reconstruction by Wren
After the Great Fire, Wren was commissioned to design a replacement structure. Inspired by contemporary Renaissance trends in Italian architecture, Wren combined English medieval cathedral traditions with Inigo Jones' classical style and Mansart's French buildings. The final design, strongly influenced by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, adopted a restrained Baroque style.
Structural development
St Paul's Cathedral was constructed using Portland stone, a durable and elegant light grey limestone from Dorset, which formed the cathedral's exterior. Inside, intricate marble floors, colorful stone mosaics, and ornate ironwork enhance its beauty. Wren's innovative design features a triple dome system, with the outer dome covered in wood and lead.
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The exterior
Set on Summit Hill overlooking the city of Saint Paul, the highlight of St Paul's facade is the dome that stands tall at 365 feet, considered one of the world's largest domes. The West Front and the walls of the cathedral are other standout features of its exterior.
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St Paul's dome
The dome is double-shelled and composed of three components - an outer dome, a brick cone within for structural support, and an inner dome. The 18-inch thick cone and inner dome are supported by iron chains to prevent cracking and spreading. Wren borrowed this idea from the dome of St. Peter's Basilica and further improved upon it to feature extra supportive elements. The cross on top of the outer dome stands nearly 366 feet above ground level.
St Paul’s dome
The West Front
The West Front is the main entrance with a 30-foot-high Great West Door (which is only opened completely for special occasions). There is a columned portico along with an upper columned colonnade. The pediment has the Conversion of St Paul, a bas-relief sculpture by Francis Bird. Above this pediment lies three different statues of Saints James, Paul, and Peter. Finally, framing the portico on either side are two bell towers known as West Towers.
The walls
The two-story body of the church and its walls are made of granite stone, in the shape of a Greek cross with nearly equal-length arms. The exterior wall supports the buttresses of the vault and provides a beautiful appearance when viewed, rising above buildings of the 17th-century city. You can still see the building of St Paul’s Cathedral from across the River Thames. You can also see the Corinthian pillars and windows between them from far.
The interiors
St Paul's Cathedral interiors were designed with unobstructed views of the altar and pulpit so that all visitors would be able to see and hear the Mass. Light floods into the cathedral interiors through the 24 large windows in the dome and the rose windows in the transept.
Inside the dome
When visiting St Paul's Cathedral, admire its impressive dome from the transept. Weighing nearly 65,000 tons, this grand structure is supported by eight Dorset stone piers and arches, distributing its weight evenly. The dome's interior features a stunning fresco by James Thornhill depicting scenes from Saint Paul's life. Light enters through openings in the outer dome and brick cone, illuminating the interior and supporting the inner dome.
The Apse and High Altar
The High Altar and Apse are in the cathedral's eastern section. Funded by British citizens, the Apse later became the American Memorial Chapel in 1958, honoring over 28,000 Americans who died in World War II. The High Altar, designed by Christopher Wren and carved from Italian marble, features a ten-foot cross and two gilded candlesticks commemorating World War II victims. An oak canopy, added in 1958, covers the altar.
The clock and bells
The West Front features two Baroque bell towers, the West Towers. The southwest tower houses four clock bells, including the 5-ton 'Great Tom' and the 16.75-ton ‘Great Paul,' England's largest bell, currently silent due to a broken chiming mechanism. These bells mark hours and toll for significant deaths. The northwest tower holds 12 change ringing bells, and the Service Bell, in use for daily services at the Cathedral.
Frequently Asked Questions about St Paul’s Cathedral architecture
How long did it take to build St Paul's Cathedral?
Construction of St. Paul's Cathedral began in 1675 and was completed in 1710, taking approximately 35 years to finish.
What is the significance of the Great Model of St Paul's Cathedral?
The Great Model is a detailed wooden model created by Sir Christopher Wren to visualize and plan the cathedral's construction, providing valuable insight into its design and layout.
Are there any guided tours available that focus on the architecture of St Paul’s Cathedral?
Yes, there are free specialized guided tours available that focus on the architectural aspects of St Paul’s Cathedral. These tours provide insights into the design, construction, and artistic elements of the building.
How does the interior architecture of St Paul’s Cathedral differ from its exterior?
While the exterior of St Paul’s Cathedral is marked by its grand dome and imposing Baroque style, the interior is equally impressive with its ornate ceilings, detailed mosaics, and intricate carvings. The use of light within the cathedral’s nave enhances the sense of space and spirituality, contrasting with the solidity of its exterior.
How does St Paul’s Cathedral compare architecturally to other cathedrals in the UK?
St Paul’s Cathedral is unique in the UK for its Baroque style, which sets it apart from the Gothic architecture commonly seen in other English cathedrals like Canterbury and York Minster. Its massive dome is also a rare feature, more reminiscent of Renaissance cathedrals in Europe.
How has the architecture of St Paul’s Cathedral influenced modern buildings?
St Paul’s Cathedral has influenced numerous modern buildings with its iconic dome and classical proportions. Its design has been referenced in structures and many other public buildings around the world like the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
What makes St Paul’s Cathedral a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts?
St Paul’s Cathedral is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, offering a unique combination of artistic, historical, and engineering feats. From its iconic dome to its richly decorated interior, the cathedral provides a deep insight into the architectural innovations of the 17th century.
Is there an architectural significance to the layout of St Paul’s Cathedral’s gardens?
Yes, the gardens around St Paul’s Cathedral are designed to complement the building’s grandeur, providing a serene space that contrasts with the busy city environment. The gardens also reflect the classical proportions and symmetry seen in the cathedral’s architecture. In fact, there is also a fun garden trail activity you can follow to learn about the cathedral’s design and architectural details.
