Iconic buildings near the Square Mile and the history behind them

0
5076
London view

Travelling around London, while sometimes causing a bit of neck ache, is one of the most inspirational and awe-inspiring journeys you can make. The city is home to hundreds of iconic buildings and landmarks that have graced stage, screen and masterpieces of literature for hundreds of years.

After checking out our great London hotels special offers, be sure to confirm your stay at the Montcalm luxury hotel London so you can check out all of the incredible buildings that can be found in the city. There is a lot of history tied up in London’s many beautiful structures so, to ensure you don’t miss any of it, we've put together a list of some of our favourites for you to enjoy.

The Gherkin

St Mary Axe, London

Looking at this oddly-shaped skyscraper, it becomes pretty clear where the nickname Gherkin came from. The rounded glass building has become one of the most recognisable silhouettes in London's famous city skyline. Built in 2001, the St Mary Axe skyscraper was intended to push the boundaries of architecture and add new dimensions to London's horizon. The building consists of 41 floors that create a total height of 180m. The beautiful design features a twirling set of reflective glass panels that spiral up to a central point. It is located in the heart of the city's financial district and currently serves many commercial purposes. It is often favoured by tourists and photographers thanks to its unique shape and aesthetic.

The Walkie-Talkie

Fenchurch Street, London

This is another example of how in the 21st century, London has strayed away from safe and traditional architecture in favour of unusual and contemporary designs. Unlike the typical shape that you would expect from a commercial skyscraper, this building looks more like a computer tower or 'walkie-talkie'. This is one of the city's younger buildings and was built in 2010 as part of a new development project. Although it may not be the tallest of London's structures, standing at only 160m, it is definitely one of the quirkiest. If you're looking to take some interesting photos while staying at the Montcalm luxury hotel London, be sure to take a walk down Fenchurch Street.

St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Churchyard, London

This iconic cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Not only is St Paul's Cathedral one of the most beautiful examples of architecture in the city, it is also one of the oldest buildings. Construction on the original site began in 1256, although it has continued to receive upgrades and refurbishments regularly over the years. The iconic dome on top of the main church measures 278ft and can be seen for miles around.

Barbican Centre

Silk Street, London

This famous performing arts centre in the heart of London has become a pillar of the creative community and a symbol of progress. Built in 1982, the Barbican Centre was established to bring the community together and showcase the array of talent that the city has to offer. The building itself is a wonderful example of creative architecture and features multiple floors and shapes that provide an abundance of photo opportunities. After admiring the exterior, be sure to head inside and check out one of the shows.

LEAVE A REPLY