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
St. Donatian's Cathedral was built in the Romanesque architectural style. There was an octagonal main building, with a tower and a sixteen-sided ambulatory. The building stood on the Burg square, across from the "Stadhuis" (city hall). St Donatian's Church became a cathedral following the installation of the first Bishop of Bruges in 1562. St. Donatian's was destroyed in 1799 by occupying forces of the French First Republic. The former site of St Donatian's is now occupied by the "Crowne Plaza Brugge Hotel"; the foundations of the cathedral were uncovered in 1955 and are visible in the hotel's cellars. St. Donatian's Cathedral The St.