Trafalgar Square

　　Trafalgar Square is a famous square in Westminster, Greater London, UK, and also a tourist attraction, built in 1805. The southern end of the square faces Whitehall, the government office district, leading to the Houses of Parliament. To the southwest is Admiralty Arch, and behind it lies The Mall, the ceremonial road leading to Buckingham Palace. On the northern side is the National Gallery, and nearby are St. Martin-in-the-Fields church and the High Commissions (ambassadorial-level representative offices among Commonwealth countries) of Canada, South Africa, Malaysia, and other Commonwealth nations. In the past, streets surrounded the square, but in recent years, the street on the north side has been turned into a pedestrian walkway, improving the square’s traffic flow and environment.

　　The most prominent landmark in Trafalgar Square is Nelson's Column at the southern end, standing 53 meters tall. This monument commemorates Admiral Horatio Nelson, a British national hero from the Napoleonic Wars. The top of the column features a bronze statue of the admiral, while the base is surrounded by four massive bronze lions. The plinth is adorned with reliefs depicting battles from the Napoleonic Wars. In the center of the square are two floral-shaped fountains, and at the northern end are steps. At each corner of the square are four sculptural plinths, with two additional ones in front of the National Gallery. Three of these four plinths currently hold bronze statues, including those of historical generals, monarchs, and George Washington, the founding president of the United States. The "Fourth Plinth" in the northwest corner has remained empty, but in recent years the London City Council has used it to display rotating modern sculptures.

　　Trafalgar Square is a central hub for local transportation, with Charing Cross Station located nearby and numerous bus routes and five tube lines passing through it. For centuries after its construction, people have loved gathering here to celebrate traditional holidays, such as Christmas or political events.

　　Trafalgar Square Reason to visit: The most famous square in Westminster Continent: Europe Country/Region: Britain Province/State: Greater London City: Westminster