ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

The majestic St. Paul's Cathedral was built by Christopher Wren between 1675 and It is one of Europe's largest cathedrals and its dome is only exceeded in size by that of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Early History St. Paul's Cathedral has had an eventful history. Five different churches were built at this site. The first church, dedicated to the apostle Paul, dates back to 604 AD, when King Ethelbert of Kent built a wooden church on the summit of one of London's hills for Mellitus, Bishop of the East Saxons. At the end of the 7th century, the church was built in stone by Erkenwald, Bishop of London. In 962 and 1087, the Cathedral was destroyed by fires, but each time it was rebuilt. By that time, it was one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Renovations and extensions in the 13th and 14th century enlarged the cathedral even more.

Until 1561, when it was struck by lightning, it had the tallest spire ever built in Britain. The huge building was at the very heart of civic life in London. Old St Paul's Cathedral, prior to its destruction in the Fire of London in 1666, was the largest church in Britain, and the third largest in Europe.

We have a very good idea of how it looked just before its destruction, for Wencelaus Hollar in the 1650's engraved a very full and detailed set of views of it.

From 1633 onwards Inigo Jones, the foremost architect of his day in England, was engaged in work of restoration and improvement of the old gothic building. This involved refacing the exterior of the Nave in a classical style, and creating a monumental portico at the West End. This work ceased at the Commonwealth, and the cathedral was much neglected until the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660.

The Great Fire "Old St Paul's" was ruined in the Great Fire of London of While it might have been salvageable, although with almost complete reconstruction, a decision was taken to build a new cathedral in a modern style instead. Indeed this had been contemplated even before the fire. The new Cathedral began to rise, to the designs of Sir Christopher Wren.

Christopher Wren's Masterpiece In 1669, three years after the fire Christopher Wren was appointed 'Surveyor of Works' and was tasked with the building of a new church to replace the destroyed gothic cathedral. This design was rejected as well; the Bishop considered it unsuitable for large processions. Wren suggested a third design, this time with a larger nave and smaller dome, which was accepted in After the approval however Wren enlarged the dome and made several other adjustments so that the built cathedral now resembles the 'Great Model' and not the approved design. His first design was deemed too modest. In his second design, known as the 'Great Model', the cathedral was shaped like a Greek cross, with a portico, Corinthian columns and a striking large dome, which would be the world's largest after Michelangelo's dome at the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome

The Dome The dome reaches a height of 111 meter (366 ft) and weights about 66,000 ton. Eight arches support the dome. On top of the dome is a large lantern with a weight of 850 ton. 560 Steps lead visitors along three galleries all the way to the top of the dome. The first gallery, the Whispering Gallery, just inside the dome, is renowned for its acoustics. The second gallery, the Stone Gallery, is situated at a height of 53 meter (174 ft) on the outside of the dome, right on top of the colonnade. On top of the dome, at a height of 85 meter (279 ft), is the narrow Golden Gallery, encircling the lantern's base. Here you have a magnificent view over the City.

Interior The baroque interior is just as imposing as the exterior of the church. The mosaics on the ceiling were added in 1890 by William Richmond after Queen Victoria complained that there was not enough color in the cathedral. The baldachin above the altar was built in 1958 after a sketch by Wren after the original was damaged by bombardments during World War II. The only monument in the church that survived the fire of 1666 is the tomb of John Donne, from 1631.

The West Facade The impressive facade at the west side of the church consists of a large portico and pediment. A relief on the tympanum depicts the conversion of Paul and was created in The portico is flanked by two towers which weren't part of the original plan. Wren added them at the last minute, in 1707.

Great Events St Paul’s is one of the places where national events of great importance take place. The funerals of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill took place in the Cathedral, Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer and more recently the Queen celebrated the Golden Jubilee and her 80th birthday with thanksgiving services in this place of worship.

Thank you for attention!