Visit Brompton Oratory (officially London Oratory), a monumental religious landmark that astounds with its Italianate façade and opulent interior decorations. Appreciate the calm spiritual ambiance as you pass between its richly ornamented chapels and experience the church’s superb acoustics at musical events and mass services.
The church building dates back to the 1880s and forms part of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. Its imposing structure displays grandiose neo-baroque designs and is the work of Herbert Gribble, who was inspired by Rome’s Chiesa Nuova. Gribble’s wish was for the people of Britain to have the opportunity to see an Italian church without traveling to Italy. Take time to admire the columns, pilasters, decorative capitals and friezes.
Inside, a series of chapels frame a gilded nave that is larger in width than that of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The nave and pulpit, both by Roman painter Commendatore Formilli, showcase Italian baroque designs rarely found in British churches. Beneath the altar dedicated to Philip Neri is a wax effigy of the saint, which can be viewed every Tuesday.
See paintings attributed to Rex Whistler, Frans Floris and Ferenc Szoldatics, among others. The painting by Whistler is believed to be his only religious work. Study The Twelve Apostles by Giuseppe Mazzuoli. This group of statues was brought from Italy’s Siena Cathedral.
Visit during a mass service, when The Choir of the London Oratory sing Latin liturgical chants from the 16th to 19th centuries. The choir’s repertoire includes famous compositions by Bach, Brahms and Mozart. Check the church’s schedule for performances by classical musicians and duets. The church organ is widely considered to be the finest by the late organ designer Ralph Downes.
Located in the upmarket district of Knightsbridge, the church is easy to reach via London’s extensive public transportation system. The nearest underground stations are Knightsbridge and South Kensington. Adjacent to the church is the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Brompton Oratory is open daily and admission is free. Mass services take place four times a day from Monday to Friday and up to seven times a day on weekends.
