London.

London is the capital of Great Britain its political, economic and commercial center. It is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe.

London was founded in the first century AD by the Romans London became the capital of England in the 11^th cent. The Great Fire of 1666 destroyed three quarters of the city.

Today the total area of London is near 625 square miles. Traditionally London is divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End.the heart of London is the City, its finance and business center.

There are some famous ancient buildings in the City. Perhaps the most striking of them is St. Paul's Cathedral, the greatest of English Churches. It stands at the top of Legate Hill. The construction of the Cathedral started in 1675 and was not finished until 1709. There are many memorials in the Cathedral.

The Tower of London is also situated in the City. The Tower has been used as a royal palace, a prison. It is now a museum.

Westminster is the historic center of Government. Founded by Edward the Confessor in 11^th cent., the Abby was a monastery for a long time.

Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official London residence. Built in 1702-1705 for the Duke of Buckingham, it was sold in 1761 to Georg III. London's most popular spectacle is Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, which takes place near the Palace and lasted about 30 minutes.

Goings down Oxford Street you come to Trafalgar Square. This is yet another symbol of London. The Square was so named to commemorate Nelson's victory at the battle at Trafalgar in 1805.Admiral Nelson cast in the middle of the Square. On the North side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.