Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is one of the major tourist sites in London and a renowned place of public celebrations and various events, such as New Year's Eve. Named after the Naval Battle of Trafalgar (1805), a victory of Admiral Lord Nelson, the square was completed by the mid-1840s after a design of John Nash. Now it plays a role of the favourite meeting place both among Londoners and tourists, as well as one of the most popular squares worldwide.
The most typical landmarks on the square include the Nelson’s Column, the National Gallery and the pigeons, though recently their number has decreased significantly. The Column is a 171 feet tall construction topped with a statue of the famous admiral who won the battle but lost his life fighting with Napoleon's fleet. Metal panels depicting the Battle of Trafalgar and other British victories cover the lower part of the monument. The column is surrounded by a few fountains and statues, such as the one of Charles I on horseback from the 17th Century and scenes from Admiral Nelson’s battles. Admiral Nelson’s body is buried in
St Paul’s Cathedral.
The northern side of the square houses another notable building – the National Gallery. The complex includes also the modern Sainsbury Wing where wonderful masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci,
Van Gough,
Rubens, Renoir and other famous artists can be seen. Visitors can also take a look at the collections of the National Portrait Gallery.
A charming Church of St Martins in the Fields is located in the northern side of the square. The church was built in 1726 by James Gibbs and was used as a design model for other churches in the United States. There is also the impressive building of Admiralty Arch, which was designed by Webb in 1911. Attracting attention with its triple arch, the building follows the Webb’s plan to rebuild the Mall as a route for processions and rallies in honour of Queen Victoria. Further from the building you can reach the Mall, which leads to the prominent Buckingham Palace. Trafalgar Square is visited also for the Strand Street and the London's Theatre land, which starts from the square. An interesting fact to be noted is that here, you can also see the smallest police station in London.
Name: Trafalgar Square
Address: Trafalgar Square
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