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
Lavaur Cathedral Lavaur Cathedral Lavaur Cathedral () is a former Roman Catholic church located in the town of Lavaur, Tarn, France. The cathedral is a national monument since 1911. Until the French Revolution this was the seat of the diocese of Lavaur now held by the Archbishop of Albi. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Alan of Lavaur. The present structure dates from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, and has an octagonal bell-tower. A second, smaller square tower contains a 16th-century jaquemart (a statue which strikes the hours with a hammer). In the bishop's garden is the statue of Emmanuel, comte