Trafalgar Square
Sightseeing attraction | London | England | United Kingdom
Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous public squares in London and a central meeting point for both locals and tourists. It is located in the heart of the city and is considered a symbolic center of Britain, as many official distances from London are measured from here - marked by a small plaque on the ground. The square was created between the 1820s and 1840s to honor the British Navy's victory under Admiral Horatio Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and has since evolved into a place that combines history, art, and social life.
The design of Trafalgar Square is by architect John Nash, who originally planned a larger urban project for the area, but only partially realized it. After his death, Sir Charles Barry took over the completion, and the square was officially opened in 1843. The central element is the Nelson's Column, a 169 ft tall column made of Dartmoor granite, built between 1840 and 1843. It bears a 18 ft high statue of Admiral Nelson, created by Edward Hodges Baily, which due to its height, does not reveal many details up close - a deliberate choice to emphasize its monumentality. The column is guarded by four huge bronze lions, added in 1867 by Edwin Landseer and cast from cannons of the French fleet captured at Trafalgar.
Surrounding the square are other significant monuments. At the corners are four plinths, three of which are permanently occupied by statues: King George IV on horseback, General Sir Charles James Napier, and Major-General Sir Henry Havelock, both heroes of the British Empire. The fourth plinth, the North-West Plinth, was originally left empty and has been the site of temporary art installations curated by the city council since 1999. Works like "The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist" by Michael Rakowitz or "Antelope" by Samson Kambalu have enriched the square with contemporary art and often sparked controversial debates, highlighting its role as a forum for public discussion.
The Trafalgar Square is surrounded by impressive buildings. In the north stands the National Gallery, one of the world's leading art museums, opened in 1838 and housing a collection of over 2,300 paintings, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Turner. To the east is St Martin-in-the-Fields church, a baroque masterpiece by James Gibbs from 1726, known for its classical concerts and social work with the homeless. To the south, the magnificent avenue The Mall leads to Buckingham Palace, while to the west, the Admiralty Arch marks the entrance to the royal route. This architecture frames the square and gives it a majestic atmosphere.
Historically, Trafalgar Square has been the site of significant events. During World War II, people gathered here to celebrate VE Day in 1945, and in the 1960s, it became the center of anti-Vietnam War protests. Infamous is the "Bloody Sunday" of 1887, when a demonstration against unemployment turned violent, leaving hundreds injured. More recently, the square has hosted major events such as St. Patrick's Day, Chinese New Year, or the annual Christmas tree ceremony, where Norway traditionally donates a tree as thanks for British support in World War II - a tradition that has been ongoing since 1947.
The square itself is a bustling place, characterized by two large fountains designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1845 and modernized by Edwin Lutyens in 1939. These fountains serve not only as decorative elements, but also as meeting points where visitors often feed the pigeons - a practice that was allowed until 2003 when the then-Mayor Ken Livingstone banned it to control the pigeon population. Today, it is more street performers, tourists, and demonstrators who enliven the square, while the lions and the Nelson's Column serve as popular photo opportunities.
For visitors, Trafalgar Square offers a mix of history and vibrancy. The spacious area invites you to linger, whether on the steps of the National Gallery or on the benches around the fountains. Its central location makes it a starting point for exploring other attractions such as Covent Garden or Whitehall. The square is also a showcase for London's diversity - from tourist crowds to street musicians to political activists proclaiming their messages here.
Trafalgar Square is more than just a public space - it is a symbol of Britain's maritime power, its democratic values, and its cultural openness. It connects the glorious past with the vibrant present and serves as a stage for the city's life. Whether admiring the architecture, enjoying art, or simply soaking up the energy of the place - Trafalgar Square remains an essential part of London, a place that breathes history while always being in motion.
