History
The iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, form one of the most recognisable architectural complexes in the world and the political centre of the United Kingdom.
The original medieval palace dates back to the 11th century, when it served as the main residence of the English monarchs. After a devastating fire in 1834, the complex was almost entirely rebuilt in a majestic neo-Gothic style by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, who gave the building its current monumental appearance.
The clock tower, completed in 1859, became famous as Big Ben — a name technically referring to the 13.5-ton bell housed inside the tower. The clock mechanism, one of the most accurate of its time, is considered a masterpiece of Victorian engineering.
The Houses of Parliament host the two chambers of the UK Parliament: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Inside, visitors can find historic rooms, decorated corridors, courtyards, and iconic spaces such as the debating chambers of both houses.
Despite heavy bombing during the Second World War, which damaged parts of the complex, Parliament remained a symbol of national continuity. The Elizabeth Tower (the official name of Big Ben) underwent extensive restoration between 2017 and 2022, revealing its original Victorian colours and adding a modern lighting system.
Visit
A visit to the Houses of Parliament offers the chance to explore one of the most significant buildings in the United Kingdom. The tour includes Westminster Hall, the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and several ceremonial rooms.
Guided tours are available in multiple languages (though not always in Italian) and last around 75–90 minutes.
Access to the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) is currently reserved for UK residents, but international visitors can admire the tower from outside and learn about its history during Parliament tours.
Booking tickets online in advance is strongly recommended, especially during weekends and peak tourist seasons.
How to get there
Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster are located in the Westminster district, right on the River Thames.
The closest Underground station is Westminster (District, Circle, Jubilee), located directly opposite the building.
Numerous bus routes stop around Parliament Square. For those arriving by train, the most convenient stations are London Waterloo (10 minutes on foot via Westminster Bridge) and London Victoria (about 15 minutes by bus or a 20-minute walk).