Dome and Galleries

The main space of the cathedral is centred under the dome, which rises 108.4 meters from the cathedral floor. At 360 feet (110 meters), it is the second largest dome in the world after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The inside of the dome is decorated with frescos by Sir James Thornhill, the most important painter of Wren's time.

The dome contains three circular galleries - the internal Whispering Gallery, the external Stone Gallery and the external Golden Gallery. The Whispering Gallery derives its name from its unusual acoustics, which cause whispers to echo around the dome.

The entrance to the galleries is at the right side (south aisle), just before the dome. Climb the 259 steps to try out the Whispering Gallery and enjoy the view from the Stone Gallery. The Golden Gallery is at the highest point of the dome, under the lantern.

Choir

The choir extends to the east end of the dome. It is home to the cathedral's great organ, which was ommissioned in 1694. The current instrument is the third biggest in Britain with 7,189 pipes and 138 stops; it is enclosed in an impressive case built by Grinling Gibbons. The wrought ironwork screens in the choir aisles were created by Jean Tijou, a Huguenot refugee.

The bishop's throne (cathedra), from which a cathedral derives its name, is on the south side of the choir. The choir ceiling is covered with glittering mosaics created by William Richmond in the 1890s.

High Altar

Originally, the cathedral had a simple table for an altar. Today's very ornate high altar dates from 1958 and is made of marble and gilded oak. It replaces a large Victorian marble altar and screen, which were damaged by the bombing during World War II, and is based on a sketch by Christopher Wren.

Apse and American Memorial Chapel

The Apse is the semi-circular east end of the Cathedral, which in St. Paul's is behind the High Altar. It was destroyed in the second World War by a bomb. After it was rebuilt, this space was consecrated as the American Memorial Chapel in November 1958.

Quick Facts

Names: St Paul's Cathedral; Cathedral Church of St. Paul

Location: London, England

Faith: Christianity

Denomination: Anglican

Dedication: St. Paul

Category: Cathedrals

Architecture: Neoclassical

Date: 1675-1708

Architect: Christopher Wren

Status: active

Photo gallery: St Paul's Cathedral Photo Gallery (for viewing)

Stock photos: St Paul's Cathedral Stock Photos (for licensing)