The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is located on the River Thames in the heart of London.
The original palace was built in the 11th century and served as the royal residence for the kings of England until it was largely destroyed by fire in 1834.
The current Gothic Revival-style building was designed by architect Charles Barry, with the assistance of Augustus Pugin, and construction was completed in 1870.
The iconic clock tower, commonly known as Big Ben, is actually named the Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the tower.
The Palace of Westminster contains over 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases, and more than 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of passageways.
The Victoria Tower, located at the southwestern end of the palace, is the tallest tower, standing at 98 meters (323 feet) high. It houses the Parliamentary Archives.
The palace is home to the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of the UK Parliament, where important national debates and decisions take place.
The grand Westminster Hall, dating back to 1097, is the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster and has been the site of many historic events, including coronation banquets and state trials.
The State Opening of Parliament, an annual event that marks the beginning of the parliamentary year, takes place in the House of Lords and includes the Queen's Speech.
The palace's intricate interior includes lavish decorations, ornate ceilings, and beautiful stained glass windows, showcasing the rich history and tradition of the UK Parliament.
The Speaker's Chair in the House of Commons is traditionally guarded by the Serjeant at Arms, who carries a ceremonial mace as a symbol of the authority of the Crown.
During World War II, the Palace of Westminster was bombed several times, and the House of Commons chamber was destroyed in 1941. It was rebuilt after the war in a simplified style.
The Palace of Westminster was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
The palace's famous debating chamber, the House of Commons, is distinguished by its green benches, while the House of Lords features red benches.
Tours of the Palace of Westminster are available to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore the historic chambers and learn about the workings of the UK Parliament.
