The first picture that appears in your mind when someone mentions London features red telephone boxes and double-decker buses, unflappable royal guards, and, of course, the Palace of Westminster. Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine the capital of the United Kingdom without this majestic building on the banks of the Thames, which became the seat of the British Parliament and the local architectural hallmark.

The history of the Palace of Westminster of today is a journey through time that begins in 1834. Back then, the former building of the medieval palace was almost destroyed by the fire that engulfed London. Of the early structures of those years, the Westminster Hall for official receptions and the Jewel Tower are the only survivors. Sir Charles Barry, a British architect, remodeled the building and created the neo-Gothic Palace of Westminster as we know it today.

Thanks to the Elizabeth Tower, commonly referred to as Big Ben, the palatial complex became instantly recognizable and turned into a tourist-haunted destination. In addition to the tower, the palace is decorated with numerous turrets around the entire perimeter of the building, stunning stained glass windows, and decorative statues. Do you want to see the Palace of Westminster in all its splendor? Come in the evening, when the facade and turrets are illuminated by golden lights, with reflections glimmering on the surface of the Thames. You are sure to see something unforgettable!

The Palace of Westminster counts about 1,100 rooms and 100 staircases, the passages between which stretch for almost 5 kilometers. During a tour of the building, you will see various rooms that will surely impress you.

Explore the Westminster Hall, the oldest and largest medieval hall in Europe that miraculously survived a fire in London. Study the Central Lobby, where Members of Parliament meet with each other and voters against the backdrop of mosaic vaults and a beautiful tiled floor. Peek into the House of Lords, the most fanciful hall in the palace, furnished with red furniture. For contrast, visit the House of Commons, a calm and low-key space decorated in traditional green shades. The palace displays artworks from the royal collection: paintings, statues, frescoes, magnificent garments, and jewelry.