London,
this gigantic metropolis of over 9 million inhabitants, is a marvellous
city full of history, grand buildings and monuments. The centre of
the former British Empire has developed into a cosmopolitan, multicultural
city, which covers all fields of interest. It is a fascinating world
which undoubtedly will cast a spell over everyone who visits it.
This
particularly applies to the royal residences, palaces and charming parks.
The great traditional ceremonials and the royal splendour give London an
exceptional charm, and it is thrilling to experience all this. The entire
city is a pleasure to see, and no wonder! With 9 million visitors
from abroad, and 14 million British tourists yearly, the British metropolis
is one of the most popular travel destinations. Accordingly, the
volume of traffic is enormous and even though there is a sophisticated
traffic system in special places, such as Piccadilly Circus, and the traffic
is at a standstill at times in most of the streets. However, also in this
respect London is deeply rooted in traditions and still one can see police
on horseback and the well-known double decker buses.
 The
history goes back to the first century, when the Romans erected a bridge
over the river Thames and made the place a famous trading centre,
giving it the name Londonium, the outlines of which still, even today,
correspond with the historic centre of London. In the 11th century
the City of Westminster developed in the west of London, while in the east,
with the construction of the White Tower, London's
Tower history began. The city of London remained the centre of trade
and industry, whereas Westminster became the residence of the monarchy
and the church.
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