ELIZABETH TOWER - BIG BEN

Standing 96 meters tall, Big Ben is the 13.5-ton bell atop the Elizabeth Tower, the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. Originally named "The Great Bell", the origin of its current name is still unclear. Although never officially christened, it is nicknamed Big Ben by Londoners, "although we can't quite work out why". Many theories exist; one favorite is that it was christened "Victoria" during a ceremony in honor of the queen of the same name. However, the inauguration speech is so long that one of the assembled exclaims, "Just call her Big Ben and get it over with!" The other theory is that the name refers to Benjamin Hall, the civil engineer in charge of casting the bell, who was nicknamed Big Ben because of his size. Following the fire of 1835, which destroyed part of the parliament building, architect Charles Barry decided to incorporate the famous bell into the design, which rang for the first time on May 31, 1859, after being moved some 60 meters. The imposing bell of the Palace of Westminster punctuates London's days with its famous chimes. Completed in 1859, this clock tower, the pride of the English, is a national symbol, admired day and night. It is one of London's most photographed landmarks.

Since 2003, Big Ben has been tilting dramatically, leaning a little further each year. In 2012, it began to show with the naked eye. You can see the tilt by standing in Parliament Square and looking east towards the River Thames. As yet, no decision has been taken to stop the tilt. However, in June 2012, following a proposal from the Conservative Party, it was agreed that the tower would be renamed Elizabeth Tower, to celebrate 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. There is a miniature reproduction of Big Ben next to Victoria Station, Little Ben, located between Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road.

Between August 2017 and November 2022, Big Ben stopped ringing due to renovation work. The challenge was enormous: 5 years and £80 million invested to renovate this absolute landmark of the UK capital. Now, like a sleeping creature now awake, the tower and its bell stand once more in all their splendor.

Guided tour. Please note: the guided tour of Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben is reserved for people in good physical condition and health, who are not prone to claustrophobia or vertigo. You'll have 334 steps to climb up and down a stone spiral staircase, unaided, in a limited time of 90 minutes. Canes, crutches, walkers, etc. are forbidden to avoid damaging the floor. Expect uneven surfaces, narrow passages and steep climbs. For these reasons, children under 11 years of age are not allowed on the tour, and staff reserve the right to ask for identification when in doubt. Service dogs are also not allowed up the tower, due to the loud noises coming from the clock mechanism and bells. Make sure you get all the information you need before booking, and bear in mind that places sell out fast!