St. Paul’s Cathedral: landmark of London, highest point of the City, and a Grade-I visual wonder that never gets old when walking to work over the bridge.

Pretty much everyone knows the world-famous English Baroque-style cathedral, which opened in 1708 and was designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666 (fourth time lucky for the site). But St. Paul’s is a marvel of other, lesser-known facts as well, that will make you want to plan a special visit.

1. The St Paul's Cathedral crypt is the largest in Western Europe.

Extending the entire length of the cathedral above, St. Paul’s designer, Sir Christopher Wren, was also its first occupant. In 1723, he was buried in his creation, his gravestone reading, “If you seek his memorial, look about you.” Very apt, very succinct.

2. The Cathedral is the inspiration for many artists

As stunning as it is, it’s no wonder that St. Paul’s has caught the eye of many an artist (think Canaletto, think Shepherd, even Turner). So too the location scout’s notice, having become the setting for scenes from 'Mary Poppins', 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban', and 'Thor: The Dark World', among others. St. Paul’s has star quality.

3. The cathedral prides itself on being a gallery of sorts for various artworks

In 2010, the Anthony Gormley sculpture 'Flare II' was installed in the Geometric Staircase, while in 2014, Gerry Judah was commissioned for an installation to commemorate the centenary of WWI in the nave.

Yoko Ono once had an installation in the cathedral, and, of course, Henry Moore’s 1943 limestone carving of the 'Mother and Child' rests in the north choir aisle, while Moore himself rests in the crypt below.

4. The bells of the Cathedral are lovingly named

As any cathedral worth its name does, St. Paul’s has bells, glorious bells. And its two largest bells have names: Great Tom and Great Paul.

While the latter hasn’t rung for many years (and needs fixing), Great Tom is sounded for a royal death, or that of the Bishop or Lord Mayor of London. However, a rare exception was made for the US President James Garfield, who was assassinated in 1881.

5. The dome of St Paul's is the second largest in Europe

Obviously, we can’t discuss St. Paul’s without mentioning the Dome. Reached internally by around 560 steps, it’s still the second largest in Europe (to Rome’s St. Peter’s).

Supported by eight arches, it weighs 66,000 tonnes, reaches up to 111 metres, and its internal façade is decorated with the frescoes of Sir James Thornhill. It has three galleries, the well-known Whispering Gallery, the external Stone Gallery, and the narrow Golden Gallery. From this top platform, the views of the City are simply divine.

Practical info

Open from 10am–4.30pm for sightseeing, it costs £27 these days for entrance to the cathedral.

If you do the visit to the London icon, you'll be best placed to discover more of what London has to offer. Explore our listings for the latest events and things to do in the City, and plan your itinerary to make it a real trip.