London

Big Ben

Big Ben

Make sure you take some photos of the iconic clock during your tour of Westminster.
This iconic clock is one of the most recognisable symbols of the British capital and is situated on the north side of the Palace of Westminster. Its construction was completed in 1859, and since then, its face has been a silent witness to history, marking the rhythm of events with its unmistakable chime. The tower that houses it was designed by the architect Augustus Pugin in the Victorian Gothic style, and its clockwork mechanism, a marvel of engineering for its time, was a triumph of precision and reliability.

The name by which it is commonly known is actually the nickname of the great bell housed within it, although it is often used to refer to both the clock and the tower as a whole. The main bell, weighing over 13 tonnes, chimes every hour and its iconic sound has been broadcast by the media on numerous occasions, becoming an auditory symbol of the nation.

Over the years, this monument has survived tumultuous events, including damage caused by bombing during the Second World War. Its resilience and continued operation have come to symbolise the country’s strength and endurance in the face of adversity. Furthermore, the precision of its mechanism has served as a reference for setting clocks and chronometers, thus maintaining a practical role alongside its aesthetic and symbolic value.

The tower, which rises to a height of 96 metres, offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area and has become a must-see for visitors seeking to capture its essence in a photograph. Despite being closed to visitors at certain times for restoration and maintenance work, its image remains one of the most widely recognised and beloved, appearing in countless souvenirs and depictions of the city.