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Reading Overview
A city of major historic significance, Reading, the capital of the Thames Valley region, attracts crowds of visitors, both for business and leisure. Reading is mainly popular as a modern business and communications center, while in fact the city celebrated recently its 1400th birthday. It has a beautiful old center dotted with red-brick Victorian houses and medieval churches, nestling just next to modern business centers and world top companies headquarters. The modern progress of the town is mainly due to the opening in 1999 of the Oracle Shopping and Leisure Center. Since its opening the impressive complex has already welcomed more than 75 million visitors. A harmonious mix of old and new, Reading presents its most fascinating historic quarter at just few moments from the Oracle Center building. Among its many attractions three seem to be most magnetic for guests of the town.
The Town Hall Complex, also including the museum of Reading, was opened in 1820 - 1875. Designed by an imminent Victorian architect, who was also a local, the Complex consists of three adorable buildings sheltering art galleries and impressive museum collections. The Complex also has a Concert Hall where international and local music events are regularly held.
Near the Town Hall the ruins of the Abbey are located, together with the beautiful Forbury Gardens. The founder of the Abbey, King Henry I, was buried here in 1136. The Abbey is an impressive architectural masterpiece, most of which can still be enjoyed, especially at the St Laurence Church and the Gateway.
Reading Gaol, or as it is popular now - Reading Young Offenders Centre, is situated right next to the Abbey Ruins. It inspired once the great Oscar Wilde for his Ballad of Reading Gaol. You can enjoy today the Chestnut Walk, where the life and art of Oscar Wilde are presented in a lovely artistic promenade.
Business and history are not the only advantages of the charming Reading city. It boasts of lively atmosphere and fascinating nightlife. Many festivals and forums are hosted and the city strives for becoming better and better into offering the best of everything for everyone.
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