St Paul's Cathedral familiar with the unique octagonal lantern tower over the crossing of Ely Cathedral, which spans the aisles as well as the central nave, unlike the central towers and domes of most churches. Wren adapted this characteristic in designing the dome of St Paul's. In section St Paul's also maintains a medieval form, having the aisles much lower than the nave, and a defined clerestory. The most notable exterior feature is the dome, which rises to the cross at its summit, and dominates views of the City. The height of 365 feet is explained by Wren's interest in astronomy. Until the
Cavalier Tower Other historians believe that the tower was built in the 16th or 17th centuries by the Order of Saint John. It is situated near a 16th-century property, built in 1585. In the 17th century, the tower and residence were modified, when the tower lost most of its defensive architecture. Cavalier Tower was named as such since it housed a Captain () of the Order. The tower has an octagonal plan, and it is the only one in Malta with such a design. It is three stories high, and it has cordons between each floor. A number of box machicolations supported