Discovering the secrets and curiosities of these historical places
The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben are three of the most iconic places in London. Each of them has its own history and charm, and attracts millions of visitors every year. In this article, we invite you to discover the secrets and curiosities that surround these historical places.
The Palace of Westminster: a treasure of British history
The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is where members of the United Kingdom Parliament meet. This majestic Gothic building houses a large number of secrets and curiosities that are worth exploring.
One of the most interesting curiosities of the Palace of Westminster is the presence of ghosts. The ghost of a nun called The Lady in Gray is said to wander the halls of the palace. Sightings of other spirits have also been reported, such as the ghost of a black dog believed to bring bad luck.
Another interesting fact about the Palace of Westminster is that it houses the Clock Tower, better known as Big Ben. This iconic clock is one of the most recognizable symbols of London and offers stunning views of the city from its top.
Westminster Abbey: a place of history and spirituality
Westminster Abbey is another historical place that you cannot miss in London. This Gothic church is famous for being the coronation site of British monarchs and for housing the tombs of illustrious figures in British history.
One of the most fascinating curiosities of Westminster Abbey is the presence of a labyrinth on its floor. This labyrinth, known as the Labyrinth of Life, represents the spiritual path that each person must travel in their life. Visitors can walk through the maze and reflect on their own personal journey.
Another interesting fact about Westminster Abbey is that it houses St. Edward's Throne, which is used in the coronations of British monarchs. This throne, carved from oak wood, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and has great historical and symbolic importance.
Practical information for visiting these historic places
Schedules and visits
The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey are open to the public at certain times. It is advisable to check visiting hours before planning your visit. Both places offer guided tours that will allow you to learn more about their history and curiosities.
It is important to note that access to certain areas of the Palace of Westminster may be restricted due to parliamentary activity. Therefore, it is advisable to check tour availability before your visit.
Tips to make the most of your visit
If you want to discover all the secrets and curiosities of these historical places, we recommend hiring the services of a tour guide. An expert guide will help you better understand the history and importance of each place, and will tell you interesting anecdotes that you won't find in tourist guides.
In addition, we recommend that you wear comfortable shoes, since you will have to walk a lot to explore all the corners of these places. It is also advisable to bring a camera to capture the most special moments of your visit.
FAQs
What is the history of Big Ben?
Big Ben, officially known as the Palace of Westminster Clock Tower, was built in the XNUMXth century and quickly became one of the most recognizable symbols of London. Its name comes from the large four-sided clock in the tower, whose name originally referred to the largest bell on the clock. Over the years, Big Ben has witnessed numerous historical events and has been an important landmark for Londoners and visitors to the city.
How long does it take to visit Westminster Abbey?
The time needed to visit Westminster Abbey can vary depending on your interests and the time you want to spend exploring every corner of the place. On average, it is recommended to set aside at least 2 hours to visit the abbey and enjoy its beauty and history. However, if you are a lover of Gothic architecture and British history, you may want to spend more time there to appreciate all the details and discover all the curiosities that this place has to offer.
Conclusion
The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben are three historical places that you cannot miss in London. Each of them has its own history and charm, and offers a unique experience to visitors. Whether you are interested in discovering secrets and curiosities, learning about its history or simply enjoying its architectural beauty, these places will surprise you and leave you with unforgettable memories.
We hope this article has been useful in answering your questions and providing you with practical information to plan your visit. Enjoy your trip to London and don't forget to explore these historic places!
Until next time,
The fortravelovers.com team
