What is St Paul's Cathedral?
St Paul's Cathedral is a famous Anglican cathedral in the City of London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666. Its huge dome is one of the most recognizable sights in London.
A cathedral has stood on the site since the year 604. The previous building, known as Old St Paul's, was destroyed in the Great Fire.
Wren's design was completed in 1710. The dome is one of the largest in the world and was inspired by St Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Galleries and ceremonies
Visitors can climb more than 500 steps to the Whispering Gallery, Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery. In the Whispering Gallery, a whisper against the wall can be heard on the opposite side of the dome.
St Paul's hosted the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 and the funeral of Winston Churchill in 1965. It has also held services for royal jubilees.
During the Blitz, St Paul's survived bombing, and a famous photograph of its dome surrounded by smoke became a symbol of resilience. Christopher Wren is buried in the crypt.