Must See: Saint Paul's Cathedral

I have seen lots of cathedrals in Europe, have studied centuries' worth of architecture, and know lots of technical terms for structures. But there are some things the books can't teach you, which is why getting to see the places you can only read about on Google can be so life-changing.

I was positively blown away by the cathedral. From the powerful statue of Queen Anne with her orb and scepter in hand standing tall in front of the façade, to the combination of Neoclassical, Gothic, and Baroque architecture of the steeples and stone materials of every column and arch. Built by Renaissance architect Christopher Wren in the late 17th century, this masterpiece housed some very famous events, including Princess Diana and Prince Charles's wedding, and Martin Luther King Jr preaching here before receiving a Nobel Peace Prize. It was also rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666, and is now open to the public presently.

I was able to use my student ID to get a reduced ticket price, so I highly recommend carrying one in if you're currently a student! I walked through the nave, which had sweeping ceilings with painted frescos and gilded gold detailing. The black and white checkered floors covered the entire area, and in the center, a large dome with an oculus at the top. The amount of natural light this building got was incredible, with hanging chandeliers of candles in each arch. The cathedral also contains statues of Lieutenants and Generals of past wars, and stunning keystones and cornices. The altar was freestanding and quite simple in contrast to its surroundings, with seating that could accommodate over 3,000 people. Down below, a crypt with tombs and stone plaques honoring many famous poets, scientists and royalty, including Florence Nightingale and Christopher Wren himself.

I then climbed the 528 steps to the very top known as the Golden Gallery, with a stunning 360 degree view of London. (Here's a picture to prove it!)

A fair warning: some of the stairwells are pretty tight and narrow, I would not recommend doing this if you're claustrophobic! It is completely worth the exercise though!

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just curious enough, this is a sight to behold!

Cheers!

-Mikayla