Four of London’s Most Famous Architectural Achievements

Did you know that London, a city of 12 million, has an area of 607 square miles, according to WorldPopulationReview.com? That makes it one of the largest cities on the planet. Within that area, this historic city houses a huge variety of entertaining attractions, both old and new. A stroll down Great Russell Street and you arrive at the British Museum, a world-renowned science and history museum first opened in 1837. On the other hand, the city’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, located in Stratford, was only just completed in 2012.

Travelling through London, you’ll find that the whole city is an amalgam built of the past and present. Nowhere is this more evident than in London’s architecture. A blend of Roman, Medieval, Victorian, and 20th century styles have worked their way into the soul of London. Despite the variety, very few London locations stand out like the four architectural wonders we’ll introduce you to today.

The Impossible Architecture at the Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre, located on Silk Street, features designs so surreal they put Salvador Dali to shame. The building itself contains 2,000 apartments and a popular fine arts complex, but it’s the appearance that draws people in. Much of the Centre’s design work looks like it could be out of Christopher Nolan’s “Inception.” The Penrose steps, often referred to as an infinite staircase, have greatly influenced the design of the Barbican Centre, giving the whole complex an impossible look. If you’re looking for something memorable to see on your European vacation, there are few better places to go than the Barbican Centre.

The Futuristic Barking Learning Centre
Located near the best hotels in the borough of Barking, the Barking Learning Centre is famed for adult care, childhood education, and many other important endeavors. Featuring a super-modern appearance with wide, lengthy windows, harsh angles, and sterile white paneling that wouldn’t be out of place in a science fiction film, the Barking Learning Centre is truly something to behold.

Gothic Spires at Westminster Palace
For many of London’s 30 million annual visitors, as estimated by Visit London, the chance to visit Westminster Palace, home of Big Ben and the towers of parliament, is reason enough to book reservations at the best hotels and set out on a whirlwind European holiday. Much of Westminster Palace was rebuilt in 1834 following a huge fire, according to Parliament.uk, but the architects made sure to incorporate the original Gothic and Romanesque styles. Hotel accommodations at the best hotels in Victoria or Westminster will put you right on top of this treasure.

London’s Ultramodern Shard
The Shard, designed by Renzo Piano, is an 87-story skyscraper in Southwark. As its name implies, the Shard looks like a shard of glass reaching far above the rest of London’s skyline. Conceived to be a “city in the sky,” according to The-Shard.com, the building will eventually house restaurants, offices, and much more. You don’t need to go anywhere to see the Shard; You can see it from anywhere in the city.

If you’re a lover of architecture, there are are few better places to visit than London. Featuring a variety of architecture only rivaled by its variety of art, food, and world cultures, London is a true gem for those who appreciate this wonderful form of artistic expression. Check out this site for more.