As one of the top 10 churches in the world, it is London's premier place of worship as well as a major tourist attraction. From the top of its dome, it also commands the second best view of London. If you want a real insight into religious history or architecture, check out St. Paul's. For more than one thousand four hundred years, a cathedral dedicated to St Paul has stood at the highest point in the City. Frequently at the centr of national events, traditions have been observed here and radical new ideas have found expression under the iconic dome. In many cases these events have left some physical record as well as echoes in the intangible memory of the building. The present Cathedral, the masterpiece of Britain's most famous architect Sir Christopher Wren, is at least the fourth to have stood on the site. It was built between 1675 and 1710, after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London, and services began in 1697. This was the first cathedral to be built after the English Reformation in the sixteenth-century, when Henry VIII removed the Church of England from the jurisdiction of the Pope and the Crown took control of the life of the church. The three hundred year old building is therefore a relative newcomer to a site which has witnessed Christian Worship for over one thousand four hundred years. This brief history looks at just a few of the individuals and events which have shaped the history of St Paul’s Cathedral. For more info on the history of the Cathedral, check out the official website at the bottom. Activities to do at St. Pauls: Climb the Dome: Climb up the dome to the Whispering Gallery and try out its unique acoustics; a whisper on one side can be heard clearly 100 feet away. Climb 271 more steps and reach the Golden Gallery at the very top of the dome where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across London. Go on a touchscreen multimedia tour: Fly-through videos of the dome galleries and zoomable close-ups of breathtaking mosaics and paintings will help you see more of St Paul’s than has ever been possible before. Multimedia Guides and Guided Tours reveal all about the history, architecture and daily life of the cathedral. Discover the crypt: Make your way underground and explore the Cathedral’s foremost burial place. In the crypt lie some of the nation’s heroes including the Cathedral’s architect Sir Christopher Wren as well as the magnificent tombs of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. Travel back in time in an immersive film experience: Our 270˚ film exhibition, Oculus; an eye into St Paul's,brings 1400 years of history to life. Oculus takes you on a journey through the history and daily life of St Paul's Cathedral.Virtual access films take visitors up to the dome and galleries without leaving the ground. Treat yourself to afternoon tea: Relax after your visit with quintessentially English afternoon tea in The Restaurant at St Paul’s. You can enjoy delicate sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, a sumptuous variety of cakes and perhaps a glass or two of English sparkling wine. Tourist Information: Opening Times The Sightseeing times are Mondays-Saturdays: 8:30am-4pm! Sundays are for worship only! To check out the daily worship schedule, check out the official website below. Admission Prices for Tours: Adults (18+yrs) £16.50 Concessions (Students & Seniors) £14.50 Children (6-17yrs) £7.50 Family Ticket(2 Adults + 2 Children) Children (6-17yrs) £40.00 For all other information including worship times, history, and ticket purchases, check out the official website below! Cheers!
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