How to visit Westminster Catholic Cathedral in London: schedules

Even if you haven't traveled to LondonI'm sure you've heard of the Westminster Abbey , and you know that it is the great cathedral of the Anglican church, religion that is majority in Britain.

But on your walk through the historic center of the city, specifically, along the Victoria StreetBetween the Victoria Station and the aforementioned abbey, you will find a large church with a reddish façade.

It is the so-called Westminster Cathedral.

How Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral are different

And what is the difference between the Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral de London?

London's first and most famous cathedral is the great temple of bliss Protestant church, and where since 1066 most of the kings of england, as just happened with Charles III.

For its part, the great church of the Victoria Street is  cathedral building of the catholic religion, which has far fewer parishioners in Britain.

Therefore, during the visits of the popes Juan Pablo II, in 1982, and Benedicto XVI, in November 2010, was in the Westminster Cathedral where they celebrated the main liturgical act.

What is the architectural style of Westminster Cathedral?

If the imposing building of the abbey is going to remind you of the great French Gothic cathedrals, the Westminster Cathedral It will not cease to surprise you.

Located behind a large pedestrian plaza, this church shows an unmistakable neo-byzantine style, and the very tall tower stands out from its façade.

La London Westminster Cathedral Construction began in 1895…and it is still not finished.

Curiosities about the history of Westminster Cathedral

It was designed by the architect John Francis Bentley It is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Westminster and is considered one of the most important Catholic churches in England.

The history of Westminster Catholic Cathedral dates back to the 17th century, when the Catholic Church was banned in England and most Catholic churches were destroyed or closed.

For several centuries, English Catholics had to practice their faith in secret. However, in the late 18th century, anti-Catholic laws were relaxed and the Catholic Church began to regain its presence in England.

In 1850 the Pope Pius IX founded the Archdiocese of Westminster and its first archbishop decided to promote the construction of a cathedral in London.

Construction of the building took eight years and was financed largely by donations from Catholics around the world.

Although it was consecrated and opened to worship in 1903, its interior decoration is still being completed, which is being financed by popular suffrage.

What to see when visiting Westminster Cathedral

So, when you enter the interior of westminster cathedral The dark walls of the main nave will catch your attention, which is because they have yet to be decorated.

This will prevent you from grasping its true dimensions, as you will find yourself in the widest central nave of all British churches and cathedrals.

It is by walking through the side chapels that you will discover the spectacular byzantine style decoration that this cathedral offers.

It is a decoration of great beauty, with very elaborate mosaics that will remind you of other Byzantine cathedrals, such as the Basilica of Saint Mark in Venice.

Without a doubt the most spectacular corner is the Chapel of Our Lady, which you find to the right of the main altar arriving through the right side nave.

And on the opposite side you find the also surprising Chapel of the Holy Sacrament.

About the building, as I have anticipated, what stands out most is its high St. Edward's Tower, 83 meters high, to which you can upload on your visit to the cathedral.

They will also catch your attention reddish Carrara marble that decorates the great pillars of the cathedral.

Of course, only in its lower part, because from half a height you will only see the black walls and columns.

Now after our visit we can imagine what the interior decoration of this cathedral will be like when it is completely finished, but it is difficult to know when it will happen.

Visiting hours of Westminster Catholic Cathedral

The times to climb the tower of Westminster Cathedral They are, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, between 11 a.m. and 15,30:XNUMX p.m.

Admission is £6 for adults, with a reduced ticket of £3 for adults+60.

Photos of London's Westminster Cathedral

Here you have more photos of the catholic cathedral of westminster in london.