Given the positive feedback of our 10 best architecture wonders of Mexico City we are going to establish a 10 best architectural wonders series. In this blog post, we are going to discover the best 10 architectural wonders of London, learn a bit about them, and hopefully convince you to add them to your itinerary during your time in this magnificent city. Lets do this explorers.
Introduction: The best 10 architectural wonders of London
London is a city where history and modernity collide in the most spectacular ways. London's architectural landscape is a testament to centuries of innovation, resilience, and cultural amalgamation. From medieval castles to futuristic skyscrapers, London offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of architecture.
London boasts an impressive array of museums (check out our 5 must visit London museums), theatres, and cultural landmarks. It is a total amalgamation of distinct passages of history from the Romans to the Normans to contemporary influences. It is vibrant, edgy, and cool, and when you are not wandering around with a map in your hand, you will not be far from world class music, food, or art.
Some of the most famous landmarks include the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, the Shard, and St. Paul's Cathedral. So lets go through our top 10 for you to add to the bucket list.
Discovering the Best 10 Architectural Wonders of London
No.1 to 5
No.1 - The Tower of London: Let's start with perhaps the most iconic. In the heart of London, this historic castle is one of the oldest and most significant structures in the city. Its construction began in the 11th century and features a blend of Norman military architecture and later Gothic elements. The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the city's rich history. It has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Today, you can explore its medieval architecture and learn about the Crown Jewels housed within its walls.
Trivia - If you are a history enthusiast, the Tower of London offers fascinating insights into the lives of historical figures like Anne Boleyn and Sir Walter Raleigh.
No.2 St Pauls Cathedral:Â A personal favourite, this iconic building is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. It serves as the seat of the Bishop of London and is an active place of worship. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710, the cathedral features a magnificent dome that has become a defining feature of London's skyline. Inside, you can admire the intricate mosaics, the Whispering Gallery, and the crypt where notable figures like Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington are buried.
No.3 The Shard: This skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in Europe and a symbol of modern architecture in London. Designed by Renzo Piano, it stands at 310 meters and features a striking glass façade that reflects the sky and the Thames below. The Shard houses offices, restaurants, and a hotel, and its observation deck offers breathtaking views of the city. The innovative design and engineering of the Shard make it a marvel of contemporary architecture. I am not ashamed to say this building has moved me to the point of tears, it is one of only a few buildings ever to do so! Odd that it is a contemporary building and not one of the wonders of the past but it truly is (in this backpackers opinion) a work of genius and art. The book by Irvine Stellar (the visionary and developer of the shard) on his life and the events that led up to the building of the shard is a fantastic read!
No.4 The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben: If you are standing on Westminster Bridge looking at the iconic clock tower known fondly as Big Ben (which is actually the name of the bell in the tower), you will have the majestic Houses of Parliament in front of you. Constructed in the mid-19th century after a fire destroyed the old Palace of Westminster, the building is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. Its interior contains the historic chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The building is perhaps one of the most iconic in London, the clock tower features in the UK's new years eve celebrations each year and its chimes have been used for years by the BBC during its news items.
No.5 Buckingham Palace: Perched at the end of the grand avenue, The Mall, this historic palace is the official residence of the British monarch. It holds a lot of information on the history of the British monarchy and the state rooms are open to the public during the summer months. The building itself, completed in the early 18th century, features a blend of Neoclassical and Victorian architectural styles. Its grand façade, opulent interiors, and the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony make it a must-visit.
Discovering the Best 10 Architectural Wonders of London
No.6 to 10
No.6 The British Museum: The exterior of the British Museum features a grand neoclassical design with its iconic portico and columns. Inside, the museum is equally impressive, with vast galleries that house an extensive collection of artifacts from around the world. The Great Court, with its stunning glass and steel roof designed by Norman Foster, is a highlight. Check out our blog post for a much deeper understanding of the facade of the British Museum.
No.7 Tower Bridge:Â This historic bridge is recognized for its twin towers and bascule design, which allows it to lift for passing ships. Completed in 1894, it is a marvel of Victorian engineering and a symbol of London's river Thames. You can walk across the high-level walkways for stunning views of the city and visit the engine rooms to learn about the bridge's mechanics.
No.8 The Natural History Museum: This is one of the most prominent museums in the country and the world, showcasing the rich natural history of our planet. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse and completed in 1881, the building itself is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, with intricate terracotta facades and a grand central hall.
No.9 The Gerkin:Â Designed by Norman Foster, this contemporary skyscraper stands out with its unique, curvaceous shape and energy-efficient design. Completed in 2003, it has become an iconic feature of London's modern skyline. You can learn more about this in our top blog, Londons best high tech architecture, check it out to learn more about high tech architecture and better still we put together a walking map for a self guided tour.
No.10 The Victoria and Albert Museum: Our final top 10 choice is the Victoria and Albert Museum. This museum is an extremely popular attraction that if you do visit, you will need to book tickets ahead of time for special exhibitions. The museum, founded in 1852, is housed in a beautiful Victorian building and features a vast collection of art and design, from ancient times to the present day.
BONUS 01 - The Serpentine Pavilion
If you are after an adventure, then head to Hyde Park where you will find one of the most innovative architectural projects in London. Each year, a different architect is invited to design a temporary pavilion, showcasing cutting-edge contemporary architecture. It's a fantastic way to see some of the most creative and forward-thinking designs from around the world. You will also be near to the Victoria and Albert Museum and the natural history museum, both of which have made our top 10 list.
BONUS 02 - Westminster Cathedral
Westminster Cathedral, not to be confused with Westminster Abbey, is the mother church of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Designed by John Francis Bentley and completed in 1903, the cathedral is an excellent example of Neo-Byzantine architecture. Its striking striped façade, intricate mosaics, and the grand interior make it a remarkable structure. The campanile tower offers panoramic views of the city, making it a unique addition to any architectural tour of London. Westminster cathedral is just a short walk away from Buckingham Palace and a fantastic addition to your architectural tour that will be much less 'touristy'. You can also find the interesting John Lewis HQ building directly next to it.
BONUS 03 - The London Eye
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames. Completed in 1999, it stands at 135 meters and offers some of the best views of London. Designed by the architectural team of Marks Barfield, it has become an iconic symbol of modern London. Each capsule provides a 360-degree view of the city, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and tourists alike.
If you agree with our choices or think something else should be added to the list, let us know below. Happy travels people.
For the curious explorer
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