The Houses of Parliament

The British Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament was originally named West Minister Palace, or Westminster Palace. Located on the west bank of the River Thames next to Westminster Bridge, it is a classical Gothic-style building, built in the 11th century under Edward. After being damaged by fire and subsequently expanded, the original royal palace was relocated elsewhere, and it has since become the seat of the UK Parliament.

The UK Parliament consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Within Westminster Hall, there are two passages leading to their respective offices and meeting chambers. The entire Parliament building covers an area of 30,000 square meters, with corridors stretching a total of 3 kilometers. It includes 1,100 rooms, over 100 staircases, and 11 inner courtyards. The chamber where Members of the House of Commons meet exudes a solemn and dignified atmosphere. It spans 2,000 square meters and houses over 1,000 red seats for members. The ceiling of the hall features beautiful Venetian mosaic murals, while the walls are adorned with statues of the British monarch and political figures. On the left side of the House of Commons gallery stands a statue of Churchill. There are 1,000 rooms and 11 courtyards in total. Outside Westminster Hall stands the iconic Big Ben tower, an ancient and renowned structure that serves as the symbol of the Parliament building. When the bells chime, they can be heard across the streets of London. As the Parliament is a crucial political institution in the UK, it draws considerable attention.

Note: Entry for sightseeing is not permitted here. Visitors may only enter to observe parliamentary sessions, but must wait for available seating in the public gallery. During peak tourist seasons, securing a free seat can take a long time. In addition, security checks for personal belongings are very strict.

Website: http://www.parliament.uk/

Admission: Free

Opening Hours: 14:30–22:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays; 10:00–14:30 on Wednesdays; 09:30–15:00 on Fridays

Transportation: Take the subway to Westminster Station.