Westminster Cathedral

An architectural gem and some famous names associated with it

Westminster Cathedral entrance — Credit: Author

Introduction

Accepting an invitation to give a pre-defined walking tour in central London, Westminster Cathedral comes first. Though the tour itself will remain outdoors, we’re going to get the chance of going inside this magnificent building.

This is the mother church of the Roman Catholic community in England and Wales and, unsurprisingly, the largest Roman Catholic church here. Its full name is The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood.

Would you believe that, originally, the cathedral was hidden from view from the main thoroughfare? Only the campanile (the bell tower) was visible above the other buildings.

The picture below shows both the campanile on the left of the cathedral and the open area now in front of the entrance and the main road, Victoria Street.

Westminster Cathedral and campanile with piazza in front — Credit: Andy Read

The open area, known as the piazza, was opened up in 1975. The cathedral is so eye-catching, you can’t imagine it hidden from view behind other buildings.