Historic London

Dedicated to that great saint from the pages of Bible, the Cathedral of St. Paul has adorned the capital city of London from as early as 604 A.D. This piece of architecture has not only added glory to the city but it acts as a constant reminder of the importance of spirituality in the human life, in this otherwise commercialized city.
The current St Pauls Cathedral in London, chronologically the fourth one, was designed by the court architect Sir Christopher Wren and was built between 1675 and 1710. Its immediate predecessor was destroyed in the great fire of London. Its artistic and architectural splendor mirrors the resolution of the five kings who wanted London’s leading church to be no less magnificent than their private abodes.
The first service of this church took place in 1697 and from then on it has witnessed events of colossal importance. There have been the funerals of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill. There have also been Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria, peace services denoting the end of the First and the Second World wars, the launch of the festival of Britain, the Service of remembrance and commemoration for 9/11, the 80th and 100th birthdays of Queen Elizabeth – the Queen Mother, the wedding of Charles to Lady Diana Spencer and more lately, the thanksgiving services for both the Golden Jubilee and the 80th birthday of Her Majesty-the Queen. With the passage of time, St Pauls Cathedral London has repeatedly adapted itself to the changing tastes, attitude, decoration, services and thus stands as a witness to the evolution of history.

The Cathedral is open for sightseeing from Monday to Saturday between 08.30 - 16.00.

On Sunday the Cathedral is open for worship only and there is no admission for sightseeing.

The galleries are open to sightseers Monday to Saturday between 09.30 - 16.15 (last admission). Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult when visiting the galleries. Occasionally adverse weather may close the Stone and Golden galleries.

Special services or events may close all, or part, of the Cathedral at short notice, so please consult the Cathedral calendar for more details.

Filming and photography is not allowed inside the Cathedral.

Throughout the year, a fascinating guided tour of the Globe Theatre is included in your visit to Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition. Let one of our guides bring this extraordinary space to life.

Theatre Tour times in 2010
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a working Theatre!
Please note that the 2010 Theatre Season starts on Shakespeare’s Birthday, on 23rd April.
During the Theatre Season, Tours to the Globe Theatre will be restricted to the below schedule as matinees and evening performances take place inside the auditorium.

From 1st March until 22nd April 2010
Globe Exhibition: 9h -17h
Globe Theatre Tour: all day from 9h - 17h

From 23rd April – early October 2010 THEATRE SEASON
During the theatre season Globe Tours are only available in the mornings,
except for Monday when there are Globe Tours all day.
Globe Exhibition: 9h – 17h
Globe Theatre Tour:
Monday all day
Tuesday – Saturday 9h-12h30 (Rose Tour 13h – 17h)
Sunday 9h-11h30 (Rose Tour 13h – 17h)

There is no access to the theatre during performances. Visitors will be taken to the nearby archeological site of the Rose, Bankside's first playhouse.