Jude Law, Robert Downey, Jr. land in London on location for Sherlock Holmes pt. 4

Robert Downey, Jr., as Sherlock Holmes, St. Paul's Cathedral steps

Excitement is building for the Robert Downey, Jr/Jude Law-starring big screen version of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most identifiable literary character, slated to debut in theaters Christmas Day.

The Guy Ritchie-directed version of this classic, expected to be a big box office winner, has already been a big hit during shooting at tourist-popular establishments, as detailed in parts one, two, and three of this series.

Another location worthy of the film and a traveler's attention is St. Paul's Cathedral, also a site for such high-profile movies as 2004's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban, the 1946 classic version of Great Expectations, and the 1962 big screen version of Lawrence of Arabia.

St. Paul's Cathedral, located on the highest point of the City of London called Ludgate Hill, started out as a trading post in Roman times. Since 604 AD, an Anglican cathedral dedicated to St. Paul has occupied the site.

The world famous building before the one that stands today -- number four in a long line of illustrious Cathedrals erected on this spot -- was thanks to the the work of renowned Sir Christopher Wren. His contribution, due to the destruction of the third version destroyed by London's Great Fire, brought the Cathedral into the world's limelight and became one of London's most sought-after attractions.

A little more history: Number five of St. Paul's reincarnations was erected between 1875 and 1710, and is the one that stands today with additions to Wren's vision for the famous Cathedral. No wonder the imposing Portland stone edifice -- which is the cathedral of the Diocese of London -- is a must for visitors and locals alike.

Many famous funerals have occurred at St. Paul's, including services for Sir Winston Churchill and the Duke of Wellington.

St. Paul's boasts a landmark three-layered dome where eight monochromes by Sir James Thornhill depict the life of the Cathedral's namesake.

Its walls vary from extra thick with recessed windows to lower level walls erected with flying buttresses and hidden behind giant wall curtains. Pillars and arches are carved in stone to tell the story of the history of England, and the crypt contains relics of what was once a medieval outpost.

To be sure, top ranked artists and artisans lent their skills to St. Paul's, with Frances Bird offering large sculptures on the western front, one of which illustrates St. Paul's conversion. Jean Tijou's intricate wrought iron gates followed Wren's original vision.

Perhaps the most fun to be found in any cathedral, anywhere: St. Paul's Whispering Gallery, where visitors test the room's amazing acoustics and where Mendelssohn once played the organ, installed at the end of the 16th century.

Other aspects to admire: Astounding mosaics added in the middle of the 19th century after Queen Victoria proclaimed St. Paul's interior to be "most dreary, dingy and undevotional."  In 2010, just after the new Sherlock Holmes film bows, St. Paul's will celebrate its 300th anniversary with a 40 million GBP restoration, both inside and out.

Please note: For the rest of my series on distinquished London locations for Sherlock Holmes, staring Jude Law and Robert Downey, Jr., check these out:

Click here for part one:  http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-6157-LA-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d30-Robert-Downey-Jr-Jude-Law-go-to-London-Sherlock-Holmes-on-location-in-England-pt-1

Click here for part two:  http://www.examiner.com/x-6157-LA-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d2-Jude-Law-Robert-Downey-Jr-land-in-London-on-location-for-Sherlock-Holmes-pt--2

Click here for part three:   http://image.examiner.com/x-6157-LA-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d3-Jude-Law-Robert-Downey-Jr-land-in-London-on-location-for-Sherlock-Holmes-pt-3

Photo: The inimitable St. Paul's Cathedral, London, England, and location for Guy Ritchie's upcoming film, Sherlock Holmes