Palace of Westminster, Parliament building in City of Westminster, United Kingdom
The Palace of Westminster extends along the Thames River with its Gothic Revival architecture, featuring the Elizabeth Tower and Victoria Tower at opposite ends.
The original palace served as a royal residence from 1066 until 1512, when a fire caused King Henry VIII to relocate to Whitehall Palace.
The House of Commons features green leather benches while the House of Lords displays red seats, reflecting British parliamentary traditions dating from the 1840s.
Visitors can attend parliamentary debates from Monday to Thursday or take guided tours on Saturdays and during summer months through the Cromwell Green entrance.
Westminster Hall, built in 1097, remains the oldest part of the palace and features one of medieval Europe's largest wooden roof structures.
Location: City of Westminster
Architects: Charles Barry, Jr., Augustus Pugin
Official opening: 1342
Architectural style: English Gothic architecture, Perpendicular Gothic, Gothic Revival
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Website: https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/
Part of: Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret's Church
Website: https://parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace
GPS coordinates: 51.49944,-0.12417
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:43
These palaces serve as official seats for monarchs and presidents. The buildings combine historical architecture with political function and document the evolution of state power. The rooms and gardens showcase various architectural styles and political periods of their respective countries.
Big Ben
143 m
Westminster Hall
95 m
St Margaret's Church, Westminster
202 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
101 m
House of Commons Library
51 m
St Mary Undercroft
58 m
House of Lords Library
94 m
Statue of Margaret Thatcher, Houses of Parliament
51 m
Parliamentary Estate
153 m
Members' Lobby
42 m
Statue of Winston Churchill
44 m
Statue of George V
159 m
Strangers' Gallery
33 m
Imperial Monumental Halls and Tower
158 m
Parliamentary War Memorial
99 m
Jewel Tower
198 m
Keith Palmer memorial
195 m
Victoria Tower Lodge And Gates To Black Rod Garden
178 m
7 Old Palace Yard
171 m
Gates, Railings, Gate Piers To New Palace Yard, Houses Of Parliament
179 m
Monument to Major-General James Wolfe
195 mReviews
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architecture of exceptional originality
architecture of exceptional originality
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