Piccadilly Street is probably known even to those who have never been to London - very often this place is mentioned in their writings by writers, musicians and filmmakers .Piccadilly - one of the brightest and busiest streets in the historic city center - Westminster .Its name is due to the tailor Robert Baker, who made his name and fortune thanks to the fashionable Picadilla collars .In 1612, he bought here part of the land and built a house, which then became known as Piccadilly Hall .Practically from the very beginning of its existence the street was very famous .The fact is that as early as the 17th century aristocrats and rich men began to build it up with luxurious mansions .And to this day there are many closed clubs for "their own", ordinary people are invited to enter .
| Picadilly Street |
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is a favorite meeting place for Londoners. Here they make appointments or just communicate with friends and friends. In many respects such popularity was promoted by very convenient arrangement of the area - from it conducts at once some roads to nearby sights. In addition, there are no problems with transport - this is one of the busiest interchanges in the world.
In the center of Piccadilly Circus there is a large fountain with a figure of Eros. In fact, the figure of a naked angel was created in honor of the benefactor of Lord Ashley Shaftesbury and symbolized Antharos, the god of disinterested love. However, the locals saw in it another context and quickly renamed in their own way.
Another interesting detail of the area - neon signs .Now they are no longer surprised, because there are such in every city .But it is worth noting that for the first time such advertising appeared right here in the beginning of the 20th century and was made of the most ordinary bulbs .Today, shields can be seen only on one building, nicknamed by the people of "Monico" in honor of the cafe, which once existed .Interestingly, many advertisers place their signboards for decades, despite the high cost of renting .The lights of billboards are turned off only on special occasions - for example, on the day of the death of Princess Diana in 1997 .
Not far from the square is the Criterion Theater. It was located under the ground, where a special tiled staircase leads. Nearby you will find a shopping arcade of the London Pavilion, which was recently connected with the entertainment center "Trocadero". There are not only numerous souvenir shops, fast food and a cinema, but also a huge children's play center "Fanland".
What else to see
It is worth to visit the Royal Academy of Arts - the association of English artists. Seasonal exhibitions are held here and, besides, the only sculptural work by Michelangelo is kept in the country. Also interesting is the Ritz Hotel, created more than a century ago by Caesar Ritz. Here stayed Charles de Gaulle, Charlie Chaplin and many other celebrities. Of course, the prices in the hotel are very high. By the way, it's Ritz who is the author of the phrase "The client is always right."
On Piccadilly Street, a little aside, there is the church of St. James. From Wednesday to Saturday, next to it, there is a market of crafts, where you can buy interesting souvenirs.
| Piccadilly Circus |
| Piccadily Arcade |
| Fleet building |
| Fountain at Piccadilly |
Reviews of Piccadilly (3)
Traffic without stops! February 27, 2014
Bright London street! December 19, 2013
Bright Piccadilly Circus! 05 November 2013
In London, my friend Sasha and I flew in thanks to the magnificent airlines "British airways"! On the plane we were very well fed, the flight was very comfortable.
We did not know how to get to Piccadilly Circus and asked for help at the airport. Employees happily helped us, and showed the right way.
We reached the Piccadilly Circus from the airport by metro, in English - "underground". The subway card cost -5 pounds per person.
My friend and I paid 10 pounds ... Read the whole review