Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster, Parliament building in City of Westminster, United Kingdom
The complex spans more than 1,100 rooms along the Thames with a Gothic Revival facade in honey-colored limestone, while Elizabeth Tower and Victoria Tower mark the northern and southern ends and central halls feature intricate wood carvings and stained glass windows throughout.
Following the devastating fire of 1834, Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin were commissioned to rebuild in Gothic Revival style, with construction spanning 1840 to 1870 and the structure suffering significant bomb damage during World War Two that required subsequent restoration.
The British bicameral system evolved here over centuries from medieval royal councils, with the building becoming a global symbol of parliamentary democracy and continuing to house the United Kingdom's legislative branch today.
Tours operate on Saturdays and during summer months through the Cromwell Green entrance, with security screening required for all visitors and reservations recommended several weeks ahead through the official parliamentary website.
Big Ben refers only to the 13.5 ton bell inside Elizabeth Tower rather than the tower itself, while members of parliament can travel between buildings through underground tunnels without encountering the public or crossing streets above ground.
Location: City of Westminster
Architects: Charles Barry, Jr., Augustus Pugin
Official opening: 1342
Architectural style: English Gothic architecture, Perpendicular Gothic, Gothic Revival
Accessibility: Dostępne dla wózków inwalidzkich
Part of: Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret's Church
Address: London SW1A 0AA, UK
Phone: +442072193000
Website: https://parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace
GPS coordinates: 51.49944,-0.12417
Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:48
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Big Ben
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Westminster Hall
95 m
Victoria Tower
154 m
Henry VII Chapel
169 m
Woolsack
86 m
Speaker's House
49 m
Statue of Oliver Cromwell
124 m
St Stephen's Chapel
72 m
Richard Coeur de Lion
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House of Commons Library
51 m
St Mary Undercroft
58 m
House of Lords Library
94 m
Statue of Margaret Thatcher, Houses of Parliament
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Parliamentary Estate
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Members' Lobby
42 m
Statue of Winston Churchill
44 m
Statue of George V
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Strangers' Gallery
33 m
Imperial Monumental Halls and Tower
158 m
Parliamentary War Memorial
99 m
Jewel Tower
198 m
Victoria Tower Lodge And Gates To Black Rod Garden
178 m
Gates, Railings, Gate Piers To New Palace Yard, Houses Of Parliament
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Monument to Major-General James Wolfe
195 m
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7 Old Palace Yard
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108 mElizabeth Tower
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