London revealed: 15 surprising curiosities
London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is a city that combines ancient history with vibrant modernity. Its iconic monuments, rich culture, and impressive diversity attract millions of visitors every year. But in addition to the famous tourist attractions, London holds secrets and curiosities that many are unaware of. Let's explore 15 fascinating facts about this unique metropolis.
A city of two faces
London, as we know it today, is actually the union of two distinct cities: the City of London and the City of Westminster. The City of London, also known as “The Square Mile”, is the financial center and historic core of the city. At just 2.9 km², it is the smallest city in England, but it is home to some of the most important financial institutions in the world.
The City of Westminster, on the other hand, is the political and cultural center of London. Here we find Buckingham Palace, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and many of the city's most famous museums and galleries. This duality offers visitors a unique experience, where history and modernity intertwine around every corner.
London: a cultural and educational paradise
London is a true cultural melting pot, offering a wealth of experiences for residents and visitors. The city is an ideal destination for those seeking:
- Artistic immersion: With more than 857 art galleries scattered around the city, London is a paradise for art lovers.
- Quality education: The English capital is home to world-renowned educational institutions, making it a perfect destination to do University abroad.
- Musical diversity: With over 17,000 shows a year at more than 300 venues, London's music scene is unmatched.
- Abundant literature: The city has 395 public libraries and 900 bookstores, a true paradise for reading lovers.
- World-class museums: London has more than 170 museums, including 11 national museums, such as the famous British Museum.
- Language learning: The city offers numerous opportunities for Learning a language abroad, with high-quality English schools.
This cultural wealth makes London an ideal destination for those seeking to expand their horizons and experience a unique educational experience.
Historical and architectural curiosities
London is a city steeped in history, with each street and building telling a part of its long and fascinating trajectory. The name “London” has its origins in King Lud, who controlled the area before the Roman invasion in 43 A.D. Since then, the city has been the scene of numerous historical events that have shaped not only the United Kingdom, but the entire world.
A fascinating example of London's history is Tower Bridge, often confused with London Bridge. The Tower Bridge, with its Gothic towers and raised footbridge, is actually a relatively recent construction, dating from the late 19th century. On the other hand, London Bridge has a much older history, with its first version built by the Romans almost 2,000 years ago. Over the centuries, various versions of the London Bridge have been built and rebuilt, each one telling a part of the city's history.
Curiosities about everyday life in London
Daily life in London is full of interesting peculiarities that make the city a unique place to live and visit:
- Peculiar traffic: The average car speed in central London is just 16 km/h, surprisingly similar to the speed of carriages 100 years ago.
- Historic subway: The London Underground, known as “The Tube”, is the oldest in the world, opened in 1863. Oddly enough, about 80,000 umbrellas are forgotten in it every year.
- Single traffic rule: At Savoy Court, in front of the famous Savoy Hotel, cars must travel on the right, unlike the rest of the city.
- Big Ben: The famous “Big Ben” is not the name of the clock or the tower, but rather the name of the bell inside the tower.
- Actual restriction: The queen cannot enter the House of Commons in Parliament and is accepted only in the House of Lords.
London traditions and superstitions
London is a city that values its traditions, even in the midst of its constant evolution. A curious example is the London Eye, the famous Ferris wheel on the banks of the River Thames. Its 32 capsules represent the 32 districts of London, but are numbered from 1 to 33, skipping the number 13 due to superstition. This mix of modernity and tradition is typical of London, where the new and the old coexist harmoniously.
Be Easy
London is a fascinating city filled with history, culture, and unique opportunities. Whether for studying, working, or simply exploring, the English capital has something special to offer everyone. A Be Easy Exchange is ready to make your dream of visiting London a reality. Our expert team can help you plan your trip, find the ideal study program, or even prepare your move to this incredible city. Don't miss the chance to experience all these curiosities and more. Contact us today and start planning your London adventure. With Be Easy, London is closer than you think!
