Palace of Westminster is one of the main attractions of London. With its majestic and strict facade, it adorns the left bank of the Thames, from which the district of the city with the same name begins. Westminster Palace is currently not only a famous monument of history and architecture. The palace houses the country's Parliament. Numerous meetings of both chambers (Lords and communities) are held in majestic palace interiors.
The Palace of Westminster, whose photo can be found in every guidebook, nevertheless invariably makes an impression when you first meet live. The magnificent building with a length of 300 meters covers an area of more than 3.2 hectares. On this vast territory there are more than 1200 various premises. Going for a walk around the castle, it is worth considering that the total length of the corridors is about five kilometers, and also that 100 stairs will have to be overcome along the way.
Initially, the building was built as a palace for the life of the monarchs, but after the fire of 1834, many rooms and buildings fell into disrepair. Then Wesminster Palace was rebuilt according to a new project, which was made in the Gothic style. The ancient medieval architecture of the palace has been preserved in the beautiful reception hall, which is called Westminster Hall. The unique Jewel Tower has also survived. Architects designed and built it specifically so that the treasury of Edward the Third was under reliable protection.
The Palace of Westminster, which exists today, has a very peculiar and interesting design. The unusual layout of the interior is associated with a fire that rendered some buildings unusable. The bulk of damaged but not destroyed structures was restored and included in the construction project of the new palace.
Palace of Westminster is known for two towers that frame its facade from the north and south. The clock tower, which is familiar to many as Big Ben, is the main symbol of the capital of Great Britain. These are the main hours of the country. Victoria Tower on the other side of the palace serves as the entrance to the building for the royal family. During parliamentary sessions, it is customary to raise the state flag on it.
A noteworthy fact about the palace: it is not a simple museum. It hosts parliamentary meetings, the annual opening of which has become one of the favorite traditions of the British. The queen herself takes part in the ceremony.
Currently, the palace building is available for tourists. Until 2004, this was prohibited by law. Now, on parliamentary holidays, thousands of tourists from all over the world have the opportunity to stroll through the halls and corridors of the majestic palace and examine the rooms in which the history of the great power is still going on.
Unique architecture and rich history annually attract thousands of tourists to London. The Palace of Westminster occupies an important place in the list of main attractions and does not leave anyone indifferent who has visited it once.