London

       London

       London is one of the world`s most exciting cities. It was founded by the Romans in about 43 Ad as a trading port, and has remained a centre of commerce ever since. It is also the capital city, the home of monarchs and government since 1066. London`s history is to be found on every street, but above all London is a city for people to enjoy.

       It is undoubtedly one of the greatest cities in the world. It`s got everything a visitor could possibly want: rich history, beautiful architecture, charming parks, incredible museums and amazing restaurants…The list could be continued forever.

       The saying «When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life» ia a cliche, but you can`t be tired in London.

       There are lots of amazing places and historic buildings, galleries and museums. There are parks and street markets, over 80 theatres and even more cinemas in London that make it the great city that it is.

       I would like to mention only a few of them.

       The Royal Family is one of the special things about Britain, something really unique nowadays, and London is one of the few places in the world where you can meet a real queen and visit a royal palace. The most important building, but not the most beautiful, is Buckingham Palace, which is the official residence of the Queen.

       There are always crowds of people waiting patiently outside Buckingham Palace. They come to see the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard, which lasts about half and hour. It is one of the most popular sights for tourists. The guardsmen wear traditional uniform: a red coat and a black bearskin.  Believe it or not, this ceremony hasn`t changed since 1660.

       The Houses of Parliament, on the banks of the River Thames, were built in 1840 after a disastrous fire destroyed he previous building, and are elaborately carved in the Gothic style. Here laws governing British life are formulated, debated and passed.

       One of the best-known landmarks in the world is the 97,5 meter high clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, popularly known as Big Ben. This is actually the name of the 13,5 – tone bell that strikes the hours.

       Westminster Abby has been the place of coronation of nearly every king and queen since William the Conqueror in 1066. The Coronation Chair dates from 1296! The last person sitting on it was The Queen Elizabeth the Second.

       Trafalgar Square is the heart of tourists` London. This is where public gatherings and political demonstrations take place, and where the New Year is seen in by thousands of Londoners. The tall column in the centre of the square commemorates Admiral Nelson`s victory in the battle of Trafalgar, where the British Navy defeated the navy of Napoleon in 1805.

       There are a lot of beautiful churches and Cathedrals in London. One of the most famous is St Paul`s Cathedral. It was built after the Great Fire of 1666 by Sir Christopher Wren, a brilliant mathematician and engineer, who designed many famous buildings in London. It took him 35 years to finish St Paul`s. When Wren died he was buried in his own magnificent building.

       There is more of London`s history in the Tower than anywhere else. Throughout its 900-year history the Tower has been many things: a palace, a fortress, a prison, a place of execution, and even a zoo. Today, the Tower is best known as a historical museum and more than 2 million people visit it each year.

       The London Eye is one of the newest London`s landmarks. It was built to celebrate the start of a new millennium in 2000. It is the tallest observation wheel in the world.  It is 135 meters high and has 32 observation pods, each holding up to 25 people. It takes about half an hour to make a complete turn. From the top of the wheel you can see all over London

       In conclusion, I`d like to say that London is one of the world`s most enjoyable cities. There is always something new to discovered, some fresh approach to a familiar scene, some curious piece of history to be investigated.