The most iconic landmark of London is the Big Ben, also known as the Elizabeth Tower. It is located in thePalace of Westminster and is a symbol of London and the United Kingdom. The clock tower is 96 meters high and houses a four-faced clock that chimes every hour. The original Big Ben was the 13-ton bell inside the tower, which was first struck on July 11, 1859. The bell was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works at the time.
Buckingham Palace
Another famous building in London is Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. The palace is located in the City of Westminster and was originally built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. It became the official royal residence in 1837 when Queen Victoria ascended to the throne. Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms and is the largest palace in the world that is still an official royal residence.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge that crosses the River Thames in London. It is close to the Tower of London and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of London. The bridge was built between 1886 and 1894 and has two towers that are connected by a horizontal walkway. The bridge is 244 meters long and can be raised to allow ships to pass through.
The Shard
The Shard is a glass-clad skyscraper located in the London Bridge area. It is the tallest building in Western Europe and the United Kingdom, with a height of 310 meters. The Shard was completed in 2012 and has 72 floors. It houses offices, apartments, a hotel, and a restaurant.
St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral is a famous Anglican church located on Ludgate Hill in the City of London. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London and is considered the spiritual centre of London. St. Paul's Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and was built between 1675 and 1710. It is a Baroque-style church with a prominent dome and a beautiful interior.