A great fire survivor and historical landmark of the Square Mile.
Founded in 1050, St Olave Hart Street is one of the City’s most atmospheric medieval churches. Dedicated to St Olaf, the Viking warrior king who became the Patron Saint of Norway, the church has long been associated with healing, pilgrimage and prayer.
A Great Fire survivor, its story is closely bound to the capital’s mercantile and maritime history. Samuel Pepys worshipped here and is buried within the church, while Sir John Betjeman famously described it as “a country church in the world of Seething Lane.”
St Olave Hart Street was the first City church to reopen after restoration following World War II. Visitors can explore the beautiful church, the medieval crypt chapel, and the peaceful churchyard.
Today, St Olave’s continues to offer worship, choral music, lectures and hospitality in the heart of the ancient City, where visitors and worshippers from around the world are welcomed daily.