Birmingham is the second largest and most populous city in the UK, second only to the capital. He surprises with his contrasts. The old streets and magnificent temples here are adjacent to the best universities and trendy night clubs. Any tourist will find entertainment here for himself. Sights of Birmingham attract connoisseurs of architecture and art, and lovers of outdoor activities, and regulars of fashionable parties.
Historical reference
According to archaeological finds, in this place settlements appeared 10 thousand years ago. But the first mention of the city is found in the Doomsday Book, published in 1086. In the middle of the XIII royal decree was allowed here to hold fairs. This gave a powerful impetus to the development of the city. The geographical position of the town, located near three different rivers, allowed a small settlement to become the center of British trade.
Not far from the city, coal and iron deposits are being developed. Thanks to this, he became an industrial center. Locals at all times were distinguished by ingenuity and ingenuity. The development of industry has gone by leaps and bounds, ahead of the technical revolution in the country. And another feature of Birmingham (England) is the craftsmen who knew how to work with metal. Weapons and armor made in local workshops were valued quite highly.
During the war, the city was subjected to massive bombing by fascist aircraft, most of the historic buildings and structures were destroyed. Some buildings have been restored and restored. But most of the city was rebuilt. The metropolis is very harmonious and attractive.
Bull Ring Area
This is the oldest attraction in Birmingham. As early as the 12th century, the first malls were opened here. Merchants from all over the country and from abroad came here, offering their goods. Of course, the modern square is not at all like a village bazaar; it is a shopping center where you can buy almost everything. Two modern shopping complexes are combined by a covered passage. Buildings of original shape and outside are covered with aluminum discs. Even the shopping center is an architectural landmark of Birmingham, awarded prestigious awards.
Shopping pavilions where you can buy branded items or fresh meat are open every day.
St. Philip's Cathedral
One of Birmingham's amazing sights is St Philip's Cathedral. Its forms are more appropriate for Italy than for Misty Albion. Construction was carried out from 1711 to 1715, and subsequently numerous reconstructions were carried out. The cathedral needs to be examined both outside and inside. It preserved stained glass windows of the XIX century, as well as a large organ.
The cathedral is the center of sacred music. A church choir regularly performs here, in which adults and children sing, and church choirs from other churches come on tour. Such concerts attract a large number of people.
Cathedral of St. Chad
Another Birmingham Cathedral is St. Chad (St Chad's Cathedral). It was built in 1841, its Gothic spiers attract the attention of passers-by. The architect of this temple was Augustus Puig, who designed Big Ben and the interior of the Palace of Westminster. There are three organs in the cathedral, the walls are decorated with paintings, and the windows have original French stained-glass windows.
Library
The library building attracts the attention of even casual passers-by. It resembles three gift boxes in a lace wrapper, stacked on top of each other. The structure looks romantic, modern and at the same time vintage. This building marked the beginning of the architectural reform of the city, which, according to the designers, was to become a modern metropolis.
The library was opened in 2013 and is one of the most popular attractions in Birmingham (England). On 10 floors there are countless shelves with books, modern technical innovations. This is the largest library in Britain. It hosts a variety of world-class training, educational and research events.
But that is not all. The “cherry on the cake” is the Shakespeare Memorial Room. The Victorian-style reading room houses one of the best collections of Shakespeare's works in the world. Admirers of immortal talent consider it their duty to visit this place.
Access to the library is free. But she only works 40 hours a week.
Town Hall
Birmingham is the birthplace of many world famous musicians. Music is loved and appreciated by talents. One of the largest concert halls in the city is Town Hall. It was built in the middle of the XIX century. The building is monumental, faced with white marble with columns on the upper tier. An arched entrance complements the composition. The building has preserved historical decoration. The hall seats 1100 people. It hosts concerts by local groups and visiting world-class musicians of various styles from musicals to rock. At different times, celebrities such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Queen, performed here.
Chocolate Museum
Birmingham is the hometown of the famous chocolate company Cadbury, it is not surprising that there is a museum of chocolate. The museum has an interesting exhibition devoted to the history of the brand. Visitors are offered a tasting of sweet products, and in the museum shop you can buy great sweet souvenirs.
Oceanarium
Another interesting attraction of Birmingham (UK) is the National Sea Life Center. Here you can go for a walk with the whole family. In spacious aquariums, various species of marine life are represented: fish, jellyfish, turtles. A special enclosure is given to penguins. Near him there are always a lot of visitors watching these moving and charming animals. In huge aquariums, sharks and stingrays swim majestically.
Parks
There are a lot of parks in Birmingham. The city crosses three rivers, the embankments of which are a favorite place of citizens. Here they go jogging to walk the dogs or take a walk with the children. All parks are well maintained and ennobled. For vacationers, benches are set up on shady alleys, and for children - playgrounds and delightful amusement parks.
Universities
Birmingham is famous for its educational base. Schools and universities here are considered among the best in Europe. The building of the University of Birmingham is also an architectural object worthy of the attention of visitors. He is already more than a hundred years old. Themed museums are located on site. For example, a science museum and a planetarium. Here the most interesting educational programs are held. The exhibition has several areas: medicine, robotics and natural sciences. In a playful way, children learn the basics of science. Exhibits can and should be touched, and part of the exposition is interactive. Visitors are delighted with realistic models of dinosaurs, fun robots and an almost real model of the starry sky.
But at the University of Fine Arts there is an art gallery, opened in 1930. Today, the collection of paintings is very impressive and worthy of the attention of art lovers. The works of Monet, Rodin, Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt and other recognized masters are presented to the public. One of the largest coin collections in the world is also exhibited here. Sculptures and miniatures complement the exposition.
Botanical Gardens
The English are recognized gardeners, and the concept of "English garden" is included in landscape design textbooks. Not surprisingly, Birmingham's attraction on English soil is the botanical gardens. There are two of them in the city. One of them has been operating since 1829. There are 4 greenhouses equipped in which plants of different climatic zones are grown: tropics, subtropics, Mediterranean and deserts. In the open, a stunningly beautiful Victorian park is laid out. The garden collection contains more than 7000 plants, the oldest of which is Chinese juniper, whose age has exceeded 250 years. Many birds live here, including exotic ones.
On the territory of the University of Birmingham there is another botanical garden, designed in the form of a garden villa. It is an ideal place for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty. Vivid photos of Birmingham (UK) will remind you of visiting these wonderful places.
Aston Hall
Aston Hall is a major museum in Birmingham. The building was built at the beginning of the XVII century. Now here is the Museum of Arms. Also, visitors can see the original interiors of past years, furniture, textile samples, paintings and other antique items. The atmosphere of the 17th century still hovers here.
Jewelry Museum
In the building of the former jewelry factory, where gold products worthy of the royal court have been created for 80 years, the museum now operates. Here you can see jewelry of different years, as well as the tools on which they were made. It is interesting to learn about the technological process of creating a jewelry masterpiece. In the souvenir shop you can buy jewelry created by the hands of local craftsmen. This museum is one of the three best European free tourist centers.
Night clubs
Tourists are attracted not only by the historical sights of Birmingham, but also by the rich nightlife. Nightclubs of the city are famous all over the world, and both visitors and music performers seek to get into a fashionable get-together in one of them.
Avenue of Stars
In Birmingham, there is also its own avenue of stars, like Hollywood. It captures the names of celebrities born in this glorious city. Among them are Ozzy Osbourne, Julie Waters and Beav Beavan. Tourists stroll along the alley and take pictures against the background of the stars.
Birmingham in the USA
Surprisingly, on the other side of the Atlantic there is another city with the same name. They have a lot in common. This is the largest city in the state with developed metallurgy, excellent infrastructure and large universities. Birmingham, Alabama, whose attraction is the spirit of the Old South. This is a huge industrial metropolis, able to maintain the charm of a small South American town. The center is full of modern life with museums, casinos, bars, industrial and enterprises. And on the outskirts - the kingdom of rural life. Here, excellent fishing, as well as well-groomed botanical gardens, the Museum of Art, the Jazz Hall of Fame. Here you can follow the traces of the battles of the civil war. The city is inhabited by representatives of many nationalities, so on the streets you can hear a variety of dialects.
Tourists reviews
According to travelers to Birmingham, this city is full of surprises. Ancient buildings here harmoniously fit into the modern look of the city. Here, city skyscrapers are adjacent to beautiful parks. This is a great place for cultural or outdoor activities and shopping.
Birmingham is a modern city with old traditions. Here everyone will find entertainment to their liking. In the city, many museums work for free.