A Leisurely Tour of London: The Tower of London and Its Guardian Raven Legend
Samuel Johnson once said, 'When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.' In London, you can imagine everything about a good life—its leisurely, elegant atmosphere lingers in your mind even after you leave the city. Among London's many iconic landmarks, the towering Tower of London, one of the four World Heritage sites in the city, is a must-visit for tourists.
Originally built in 1066, the Tower of London makes visitors feel small standing before this nearly thousand-year-old architectural complex. Interestingly, the Tower of London is not a single tower but a historic castle complex, whose role has evolved over time. From a royal palace and armory to a prison and later a zoo, it is now one of the most famous museums in the UK.
If it's your first time at the Tower of London, you may be curious about its 'special residents.' These ravens (also called 'crows') are said to be the 'compass' of Britain's fortune and the guardian birds of the Tower. Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, it would signify the collapse of the Tower and the kingdom. Believing this prophecy, King Charles II ordered that at least six ravens must reside at the Tower, even hiring a group of 'Ravenmasters' to ensure they receive the best care.
Near this millennium-old fortress are several other famous London landmarks worth visiting, such as The Shard, Tower Bridge, and St Paul's Cathedral. Join us now to explore the unique charm of this city!
The contrast between the ancient Tower of London and the ultramodern Shard gives visitors a sensation of traveling between the past and the present. The Shard stands 309.9 meters tall, its unique design composed of 11,000 glass panels, making it the most eye-catching modern building in the city. From the observation deck on the 72nd floor, whether on a sunny day or at night, you can enjoy the most dazzling views of London.
The River Thames, as England's mother river, flows through more than ten cities in southwestern England and crosses the capital, London. There are 15 bridges spanning the Thames in London, the most famous being Tower Bridge, often called the 'front door of London.' Because the names 'Tower of London' and 'Tower Bridge' differ by only one word, tourists often confuse them. You can take a leisurely walk on Tower Bridge's glass walkway, watching boats pass below and admiring the magnificent scenery along the Thames.
Shakespeare is globally recognized as the greatest playwright in English history and the most outstanding dramatist of the Renaissance. Have you ever wondered whether his classic plays could still be as powerful without lighting and sound effects? The Globe Theatre recreates the original theater's shape and structure, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the most authentic and impactful stage performances, experiencing the infinite charm of Shakespeare's masterpieces.
St Paul's Cathedral is London's most famous religious site and the second-largest dome cathedral in the world. If you're interested in religion or London history, you can't miss the chance to visit this unique cathedral! Over the past centuries, it has witnessed countless royal weddings, baptisms, and state funerals.
When visiting the cathedral, you might notice many people climbing the 259 steps and then whispering to the wall. Don't be puzzled—the Whispering Gallery is one of the cathedral's highlights! It is said that if you speak into any opening in the gallery, someone on the opposite side can hear you clearly through another opening. With such magical acoustics, why not try it yourself and see if it's real?
Experiencing every scene and listening to the stories and legends behind the buildings might be the true meaning of travel. Go City Pass lets you make every trip an unexpected encounter—save more, see more, and play freely.
