Westminster Cathedral | London, UK

[nick_taylor]

Westminster Cathedral - London, United Kingdom


A lovely example of Byzantine architecture in London. The Cathedral is the "motherchurch" of the Roman Catholic Church in Great Britain.

Designed by John Francis Bentley as an alternative to the gothic likes of Westminster Abbey (often confused as Westminster Cathedral - the gothic structure next to the Houses of Parliament) and the classical likes of St Paul's, Westminster Cathedral consists of 11 chambers, a sanctuary and a large nave. The roof of Westminster Cathedral consists of 4 large turquoise brick domes and several mini domes that litter the entire building.

One of its most notable external features is the 284ft campanile with its attached cross which offers excellent views of London. It also has England's widest nave as well as having a Archiepiscopal Throne modelled on that of the Papal Throne in Rome. Hanging in the Cathedral is a richly gilted crucifix which is 30ft in length. Of worthy note are the pillars, which are made of white Carrara marble and are all unique (all are carved with ornate unique designs). The interior and lighting is more reminescent of the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul than the interior of say St Paul's. Noticable differences between a normal cathedral of the UK and Westminster Cathedral are the semi-circular windows instead of grand stain glassed windows.

Land was aquired in 1884 and the Cathedral was started falsely on two occassions: 1867 and 1897. Actual work started in 1895 and was opened in 1903 and is located next door to Victoria rail terminus, around 150m from Buckingham Palace and 300m from the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

A centuries old tradition of not visiting Catholic liurgies by the reigning monarch of the UK was broken in 1995 by old Queen Elizabeth II.





http://www.westminstercathedral.org.uk/images/tour/nave/nave_topview.jpg http://www.westminstercathedral.org.uk/images/tour/nave/nave_frontview.jpg http://www.westminstercathedral.org.uk/images/tour/nave/nave_lights.jpg

http://tucoo.com/scenic/photo/x_London/image/Westminster%20Cathedral%202.jpg

http://tucoo.com/scenic/photo/x_London/image/Westminster%20Cathedral%201.jpg

http://rubens.anu.edu.au/new/england/london/churches/westminster_cathedral/interior/chapels/IMGP1281.JPG

[Phobos]

I don't like the tower,it has a disproportion with the rest of the church.In my opinion this building looks like a water tower.
5/10

[Matthieu]

Well, I'm not a fan of the outside. The inside is nice, but compared to Baroque churchs, it's still behind. And to put an end at it, it's a recent church. Maybe with 500 more years I would have gave it 8 or 8,5. I'll go for 7,5.

[Madman]

Its alright but nothing compared with C of E Cathedrals - im not into that gaudy Roman Catholic look. 7/10

[Philip Cronin]

The interior is nowhere near finished and is really rather depressing. 5.5/10.

[Manuel]

Stunning piece of Byzantine architecture. Shame that the inside had never been finished. Is someone working on finishing or will it stay like that ?

[Philip Cronin]

Stunning piece of Byzantine architecture. Shame that the inside had never been finished. Is someone working on finishing or will it stay like that ?

I think they have vague aspirations to finish it one day, but little or nothing is actually happening. It will be decades at least before it is all done, maybe never.

[DamienK]

7.5/10

[Fabio]

7.5/10

looks nice

[forvine]

Outside looks like fire station, inside is good though 7/10

[Kampflamm]

It looks a bit out of place to say the least. Apparently I gave it 8 points although I feel like a 6.5 would be more appropriate.

[Sinjin P.]

8/10 ;)

[Mosaic]

10/10. no doubt.

[cmoonflyer]

8/10!

[LordMarshall]

8/10

[gutooo]

8/10

[SactoSpam]

8/10

[kamil.bukowski]

5/10 Nothing special. Just big church

[marpa]

8,5/10

[Dreamlıneя]

9/10

[Astralis]

This shouldn't be in modern times section... 7/10

[LMCA1990]

8.5/10

[W!CKED]

7/10

[stasiua]

10/10