Wren Architecture: Your Quick Guide to London’s Baroque Gems

If you love walking around London and spotting beautiful old buildings, you’ve probably seen a lot of Sir Christopher Wren’s work without even knowing it. The man designed more than 50 churches after the Great Fire of 1666, and his style still shapes the city’s skyline. This guide gives you the basics you need to recognize Wren’s touch, plan a short tour, and appreciate the details that make his architecture stand out.

Top Must‑See Wren Buildings

First stop: St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s the crown jewel of Wren’s career – a massive dome, a grand nave, and a famously quiet interior. Spend about 30 minutes inside; the whisper‑quiet acoustics make a quick pause feel special. Next, head to St Mary‑leb‑Saint‑Paul (the “Back” St Paul”) in the City. It’s smaller but features the same elegant columns and tall windows that Wren loved.

Don’t miss St James’s Church, Piccadilly. Its plain brick exterior hides a surprisingly tall spire that rises above the traffic. The interior is a neat showcase of Wren’s restrained elegance – simple plasterwork, clean lines, and a bright, open space. Another easy find is St Anne’s, Limehouse. It’s a hidden gem along the Thames with a striking, rectangular plan and a subtle, curved roofline you won’t see in many other churches.

How to Spot Wren Details on a Walk

Wren had a few tricks he used over and over. Look for a balanced, symmetrical façade – usually a central entrance flanked by tall windows. He loved using columns with classical orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) to frame doorways. Inside, you’ll notice a clean, un‑cluttered nave with a high, barrel‑shaped ceiling and plenty of natural light from large, round‑arched windows.

Another giveaway is the use of a dome or a tall spire. Wren’s domes sit on a drum that often has a series of windows wrapped around it, letting light flood the interior. If you see a church with a cupola that looks like a giant, elegant hat, you’re probably looking at a Wren masterpiece.

Finally, pay attention to the ornamentation. Wren kept it classy – you’ll see subtle stone carvings, modest cornices, and decorative plasterwork that never feels over the top. When you spot these features, you’ve likely found a piece of Wren’s legacy.

Ready to explore? Grab a map of the City, pick two or three sites from the list, and set a comfortable walking pace. Most of Wren’s churches are close together, so you can see a lot in a single afternoon without rushing. Bring a notebook or use your phone to snap quick photos of the details you like – you’ll start recognizing the pattern after a few stops.

Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture fan, or just someone who enjoys a good stroll, Wren’s buildings give you a clear window into London’s post‑fire rebirth. They’re free to visit, usually quiet, and packed with stories of resilience and design brilliance. So next time you’re in the capital, give Sir Christopher Wren a little extra attention – you’ll see the city in a whole new light.