Climb St. Paul's Cathedral in London

More Than 500 Steps Will Lead You to Great Views Across London

Aug 22, 2009 Scott Anderson

A hike up to St. Paul's Golden Gallery will give visitors a unique inside and outside perspective of this majestic cathedral.

The dome of St. Paul's Cathedral in London is one of the most recognizable in the world. Completed in 1710, it is a key landmark of the London skyline. The dome shines brightly in the famous photo taken during the Blitz of World War II, where it stands out as a symbol of resiliency amidst the smoke and destruction of the Nazi Germany nighttime bombings. Underneath the dome is where Prime Minister Winston Churchill's funeral was held and where Prince Charles and Lady Diana exchanged vows in 1981 as a worldwide audience watched on television.

Visitors to London should make a stop at St. Paul's Cathedral, and if they want to truly experience everything the cathedral has to offer inside and out, they should hike the 530 steps to the top of the dome, where great views of London await.

The Whispering Gallery

The first 259 steps will take one to the Whispering Gallery, located inside at the base of the dome. The gallery got its name from the fact that a person can whisper against its walls and the words can be heard by someone else on the other side. A stone bench circles the entire gallery against the wall, and one can look up at the paintings by Sir James Thornhill above or look down to the Cathedral floor below. Stopping to sit down and relax on the bench and listen to organ or choir music rise up from below is worth the climb up the stairs.

The Stone Gallery

Another 119 steps, along with some dark, narrow corridors, will take visitors to the Stone Gallery, which is located outside the dome, 173 feet above the ground. One can get a good look at the nearby buildings and neighborhood below.

The Golden Gallery

Located 280 feet above the ground, another 152 steps take visitors to the Golden Gallery, a very small promenade outside that circles the highest point of the outer dome. A 360-degree view of London awaits, including the Thames River and London Bridge.

Back on the Main Floor

Once back down the 530 steps to the main floor, no one should leave without exploring the rest of the cathedral, including the Nave and North and South Aisles, and the chapels contained within. Visitors from the United States will appreciate the American Memorial Chapel on the east end of the cathedral. This part of the building was destroyed during the Blitz, and when rebuilt in the 1950s, was dedicated to those members of the American military stationed in Great Britain during World War II who gave their lives in the course of the war.

The Crypt is downstairs, where the tombs of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and Sir Christopher Wren (who was the architect of the cathedral) are located. A gift shop and cafe can also be found on the lower level.

St. Paul's Cathedral has played a significant role in the historical, cultural, and religious life of Great Britain. Visitors who gather the energy to hike up the 530 steps to the top will definitely be rewarded with a new perspective of London and the cathedral itself.

The copyright of the article Climb St. Paul's Cathedral in London in U.K./Ireland Travel is owned by Scott Anderson. Permission to republish Climb St. Paul's Cathedral in London in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

St Paul's Cathedral, London