Transcendent Places: St Paul’s Cathedral, London

First of all I’ve just got to say, St Paul’s Cathedral is magnificent, and visiting it was transcendent.

Externally, it is one of London’s most recognisable landmarks, sitting on Ludgate Hill. The cathedral can be observed from many viewpoints around the city, including from the Tate Modern, and the rooftop at One New Change. My favourite is by/on Millennium Bridge as pictured above.

I visited Millennium Bridge a few times during my stay’s in London, and enjoyed the end of day rush here. Sitting on a bench next to the bridge and Shakespeares Globe, watching the light change on St Paul’s gave me goosebumps. Watching people rush home, hearing birds and planes in the sky, looking upon the Thames River, and just thinking of all the history that this city and this place has!

Inside the cathedral, there’s a lot to take in and learn about.

You wouldn’t expect to get such a spiritual connection in busy central London. But that is what you receive, when you explore its cavernous interior.

The cathedral has a lot of paintings, mosaics, memorials and tombs of many people, including St Paul’s architect, Sir Christopher Wren. He designed it in the late 17th century after the previous cathedral was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. Wren’s vision was to create a structure that not only served as a place of worship but also stood as a symbol of London’s resilience and rebirth.

The impressive dome is my favourite feature of the cathedral, and is inspired by the great domes of Italy, blending classical and baroque elements. Its construction posed significant engineering challenges of the time, but Wren’s design and expertise resulted in a masterpiece that defines the cathedral’s grandeur.

The dome’s exterior is adorned with stunning details, while its interior features the Whispering Gallery, where a whisper against the wall can be heard on the opposite side! Climbing to the Golden Gallery offers breathtaking panoramic views of London.

St Paul’s Cathedral is generally open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am – 4:30pm. Worshippers can come to Sunday services and/or 5pm Evensong services. Admission fees vary, but standard tickets are around £20. You can also get Skip-the-Line tickets, so you spend your precious time gazing around inside instead!

Enlightening Evensong

When we visited, we returned for Evensong, which went for just under an hour.  Sitting in the central choir section, watching and listening to the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir was a mesmerising experience.

Their music is ethereal, with one voice blending into the other, and their harmonies echoing through the vaulted ceilings. Match that with day end sun streaming in through the stained-glass windows, casting beautiful beams of light throughout the cathedral. The tranquil atmosphere of St. Paul’s is an ideal setting for reflection too. It’s hard to describe just how peaceful it is to sit and take in the surrounding beauty while the choir’s beautiful voices fill the air. I felt transported to another time and place almost – it was transcendent.

I’m not particularly religious, but I loved sitting under the dome. I sent a prayer of thanks for that moment and my life in general. I’m sure the connection to God at St Paul’s is crystal clear!

For a delightful post-visit meal

Paternoster Chop House is a delightful dining spot near St Paul’s Cathedral, offering a fantastic view of the landmark. Known for its modern British menu, the restaurant specialises in succulent chops and steaks.

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