When you step inside St Paul’s Cathedral, you will not only be swept off by the Cathedral's remarkable interior but also by the fascinating stories about its layered history spread over five levels. Here you can expect to walk in the footsteps of royalty and eminent leaders on the Cathedral floor and ascend the dome to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the London skyline. Alternatively, you can even head down to the crypt to pay respects to the country’s heroes who are buried.
Here are some corners that you must visit as you step inside St Paul’s Cathedral!
Sitting between one of the arches between the nave and the north aisle is one of Britain's greatest soldiers and statesmen, Arthur, Duke of Wellington's monument. He died in 1852 but his monument was only completed by 1912.
The very first element that you notice as you step inside St Paul's Cathedral is the vista down the full length of the Cathedral from the nave - the long central aisle that leads to the dome. The Great West Door is at the very end of the nave and stands nine meters tall. It is typically used for special services.
William Holman Hunt's painting The Light of the World is without a doubt the most dominating feature of the north transept. It forms an altarpiece in the Middlesex Chapel. The image depicts Christ knocking at the door that opens from inside, indicating that God can only enter our lives if we invite him.
Commissioned in 1694 and finally completed in 1872, the Grand Organ by Bernard Smith has undergone several restorations. It is the fifth-largest organ in the UK and has 7,256 pipes, five keyboards, and 137 organ stops. If you're visiting St Paul's Cathedral, this is definitely worth looking out for!
The wrought-iron gates located in the north quire aisle, popularly known as the Minor Canons' Aisle, were built by the French master metalworker - Jean Tijou. He was responsible for the majority of the decorative metalwork in the cathedral. The aisle also features the sculpture *Mother and Child: Hood *by Henry Moore.
The quire situated at the east of the Cathedral's cross is where the choir and the clergy usually sit during services. The choir stalls located on both sides feature delicate carvings done by Grinling Gibbons, whose work can be seen on many royal palaces.
The current High Altar dates back to the late 1950s, and it is made of marble and carved and gilded oak. It features a stunning canopy based on a sketch by Christopher Wren but wasn't built in his time. It replaced a large Victorian marble altar and screen which were ruined by a bomb strike during World War II.
The apse serves as a focal point where the high altar and choir are situated. It's a semi-circular space located at the eastern end of the cathedral, adorned with intricate carvings, mosaics, and stained glass windows that depict religious themes and stories. The apse was part of the original design by Wren.
The crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral is the largest in Europe, covering an area of 30,000 sq. ft., and is decorated with vaulted ceilings and stonework. It is also the final resting place of some of the most notable poets, scientists, and heroes, including Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, Sir Christopher Wren, and Florence Nightingale.
Oculus: An Eye into St Paul's is a 270° film experience that unfolds 1400 years of history to life. Situated in the atmospheric former Treasury in the crypt, Oculus instantly transports you through the history and daily life of St Paul's in three films: Life of the Cathedral; Resurgam, I will Rise Again; and Virtual Access, the Dome.
St Paul’s Cathedral Admission Tickets
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St Paul’s Cathedral is typically open from 8:30am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. The galleries open later in the day, around 9:30am. However, it's always good to check ahead as timings may vary due to special services or events.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours inside St Paul’s Cathedral to fully explore the main areas, climb the dome, and visit the crypt. However, if you plan to attend a service or delve deeply into its history, you might want to allocate more time.
Indeed, there is a dedicated side chapel within the cathedral premises, reserved explicitly for private prayer. It offers a serene environment conducive to personal reflection and individual prayer.
Yes, St Paul’s Cathedral offers multimedia guides in multiple languages that provide an immersive experience as you explore. Additionally, the cathedral’s Oculus film gives a fascinating overview of its 1400-year history.
The indoor lighting is designed to highlight the cathedral’s architectural beauty, but it's generally dim to maintain the sacred atmosphere, making it challenging for photography. However, certain areas like the dome and galleries receive natural light, providing better conditions for photos.
Yes, visitors are requested to dress modestly out of respect for the religious significance of the cathedral. Shoulders should be covered, and hats should be removed upon entering.
It’s recommended to start your visit at the nave, proceed to the dome galleries, and then explore the crypt last. This route allows you to fully appreciate the grandeur of the cathedral and its historical significance.
Yes, St Paul’s Cathedral is an active place of worship with regular services. Attending a service is a great way to experience the spiritual ambiance of the cathedral. Service times are usually posted on the cathedral’s website.
