St. Martin-in-the-Fields

St. Martin-in-the Fields is a major place of worship in central London that doubles as an art gallery, cultural center and concert venue. Admire the regal architecture and exquisite art of this landmark that dates back to 1222. Visit St. Martin-in-the-Fields at any time of year to enjoy the program of events, which ranges from classical recitals to guided tours and talks.

The present-day church building was erected in the 1720s and is the design of Scottish architect James Gibb. Gibb’s combined use of Baroque and Palladian designs was a forerunner for the neoclassical style. Study redeeming features such as the colonnaded entrance, decorative pediment and 192-feet (59-meter) tall spire. Arched ceilings, Baroque ornamentation and Corinthian columns characterize the interior.

Take time to appreciate the church’s thought-provoking permanent exhibition of historical memorials and contemporary installations. Among them is Mike Chapman’s In The Beginning, a sculpture of a child Christ carved from a 9,921-pound (4,500 kilogram) block of stone. Brian Catling’s white-gold Processional Cross represents St. Martin ripping his cloak in two and giving one half to a beggar.

In the church’s brick-vaulted crypt you’ll find a café and a souvenir shop. Snack on home-cooked food and sip on fair-trade coffee in this atmospheric setting. At the shop you can try your hand at brass rubbing, a Victorian pastime of reproducing brass monuments with paper and waxy crayons. From a fire-breathing dragon to William Shakespeare, there’s over 100 brasses to choose from and replicate.

Handel and Mozart are some of many great composers that have performed at the church. Listen to recitals of their’s and other composers’ works at free and ticketed recitals. Check the event schedule for carol concerts, jazz performances and lectures.

St. Martin-in-the Fields is open daily and admission is free. It stands on the northeastern corner of Trafalgar Square, in London City Centre. Travel here by taking underground and overground trains to Charing Cross station.