St. Paul's Cathedral

Where: London, England
When: December 20, 2012
With: Dave, Mom and Bobby

At the end of the very modern Millenium Bridge, standing in direct architectural contrast, one of the most iconic symbols of London's skyline on the edge of the Thames, is St. Paul's Cathedral. 

With its looming dome and intricate carvings, this is one of the most iconic pieces of architecture in the world. While the site has been occupied as a church since 604AD, the church as we know it has stood here since the late 1600s. Built by Sir Christopher Wren, his initial plans were rejected for looking "too Italian". He changed them, they were approved, but then he built as per original plans and unveiled his work after it was too late to change. 

The interior of St. Paul's is mildly expensive to get into and not usually considered as unique as Westminster Abbey, so normally the outside is admired while the inside is bypassed. However, when Mom and Bobby were in town, we decided to finally get our peek inside. 

It looks like a large church on the inside with nothing terribly unique to it. Lots of marble, statues, and chairs. The impressive part is when you get to stand under the dome and look up. It's hard to believe just how high it is (365 feet!)

After wandering around the interior and exploring the crypts below, we decided to brave the 259 steps up to the Whispering Gallery. Sitting on a bench that encircles the dome, two people can sit on either side and hear each other by speaking into the walls. It was so cool, and it was how Dave, Bobby and I discussed and agreed to continue climbing the stairs up to the top. 

At the next level on the dome, we got some mildly blocked views of London. We were proud we made it, but wanted to continue on further. At that point, there was no turning back (for us, not seriously...don't worry, they do let you leave if you need to).

But then we saw the stairs we had to climb to get to the final peak. They were so tiny and narrow! Luckily, they were one way and we didn't have to fight anyone coming down. 

At the top, a small peephole allows you to look down onto the floor of the cathedral. The people below looked like ants. Also at the top are little carvings in the wall, perfect for a full grown man to climb into and relax. 

Once outside, we got a full view of London. So pretty from up here. 

At that point, it was time for us to wander back down the 300+ stairs, collect Mom from the Whispering Gallery, and head out into London for some more siteseeing. 

I'm glad we did it, I think Westminster Abbey is the church to beat, but the dome made it really unique and the views were great.