St. Paul’s Cathedral: Christopher Wren’s London Masterpiece

In this installment of ‘Larger Than Life: Architecture Through the Ages,’ we visit a church of Baroque and Classical design.

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St. Paul’s Cathedral: Christopher Wren’s London Masterpiece — Situated on top of Ludgate Hill, the cathedral is renowned for its façade, which is framed by a pair of baroque towers and a classical-style portico and a pediment supported by Corinthian-style columns. (TTstudio/Shutterstock)

By Ariane Triebswetter

6/7/2024

Updated:

6/7/2024

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Situated in the heart of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral has over 1,400 years of history, being rebuilt multiple times throughout the centuries. Originally constructed by the Bishop of London in A.D. 604, the cathedral was dedicated to the Apostle Paul.

Following a fire in 1087, William the Conqueror initiated the construction of a new church, a project that took over 200 years to complete. The impressive new St. Paul’s, finished in 1240, was heavily influenced by the French Gothic style and was one of the largest churches in Europe.

St. Paul’s was consecrated in 1640, but the Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed it once again. British architect Christopher Wren was commissioned to design a new cathedral in the baroque style, incorporating classical elements. This structure was completed in 1710.

Notable features include a dome, inspired by Michelangelo’s dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and an elaborate west façade with a large portico and twin towers. Drawing inspiration from the Italian Renaissance, Wren incorporated Corinthian columns, pilasters, and pediments, blending these elements with baroque drama to create a uniquely English interpretation of the style.

St. Paul’s cross-shaped interior features a long nave, frescoes, and a choir. Additionally, it is one of the rare cathedrals to have a crypt extending under the entire building, serving as the resting place for famous British figures, such as Adm. Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.