London Travel Attraction Recommendation: The Monument to the Great Fire of London – Learn History, Enjoy Scenery

In the square at the intersection of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill stands a monument 202 feet (about 61 meters) tall. It bears the mission of commemorating an important moment in London's history and is also one of the best places to enjoy the cityscape. It is the travel attraction that The London Pass introduces today: The Monument to the Great Fire of London.

At 2 a.m. on September 2, 1666, a fire broke out at Thomas Farriner's bakery on Pudding Lane. The flames quickly spread to the narrow streets and some warehouses on the north bank of the River Thames, then raged across the entire city.

In the end, the fire, which lasted four days, burned down one third of London's buildings, leveled more than 86% of the city's area (including St Paul's Cathedral), and left 130,000 people homeless. However, the fire also put an end to the plague that had been ravaging London since 1665.

Image source: The Monument

The Monument to the Great Fire of London was built to commemorate this fire. It took six years to complete and opened to the public in 1677. The entire monument is 202 feet tall, located 202 feet from the site of the fire on Pudding Lane. It has 311 spiral steps leading to the observation deck at the top, and is the tallest isolated stone column in the world.

Designed by British astronomer and architect Sir Christopher Wren, the top of the monument features a globe surrounded by flames, symbolizing the tragic event of 1666. The column is in the ancient Roman Doric style, and the iron railings of the observation deck were recast from melted ironware from the fire.

Image source: The Monument

Not only is it used to commemorate this important event in London's history, but The Monument to the Great Fire of London is also a wonderful sightseeing spot. Every year, over 230,000 visitors climb the 311 spiral steps to the top, where from the observation deck 160 feet (48.7 meters) above ground they can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of London. Moreover, each visitor who reaches the top can receive a certificate to commemorate this important moment.

Image source: The Monument

The Monument to the Great Fire of London is just over ten minutes' walk from the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, allowing you to visit these attractions together.

Monument address: Fish St. Hill, London, EC3R 8AH

Opening hours: Weekends and school holidays 09:30-18:00 (closed 13:00-14:00)

Ticket: £5.40, free with The London Pass