Trafalgar Square is an iconic public space with Nelson’s Column in the centre flanked by fountains that many people around the world can identify without ever having visited it. The square was built in 1840 and named in honour of a British Naval Victory in the early 19th century and its hero Lord Nelson. It is bordered by many historic and prominent buildings of the city of London that includes the National Gallery, the church St Martin in the Field, Whitehall, the Strand, South Africa House, Canada House and Charing Cross Road. Commemorative statues of kings, admirals and generals and sculptures scattered around the square was joined in 2010 by a scale model of Nelson’s ship HMS victory in a giant glass bottle. As with many public squares it is used as a gathering point for demonstrations, community events and celebrations. The Metropolitan by COMO London offers a central location to business and leisure clients enabling easy access to their preferred destinations.
Development of the square was begun in the mid 19th century and took more than 10 years to complete. Many additions and deletions were made over the years including a massive redevelopment in 2003 that updated the whole area and provided many public facilities. An eco friendly and innovative lighting system that project many colours onto the statuary and sculptures was added in 2012 in time for the summer Olympics. The square was also once famous for its pigeons but they are out of the scene now as much damage was caused to the statues by their droppings. Almost every visitor to London has selfies or group photos in front of the many monuments in the square. Many visitors have also spent time sitting on the steps in front of the National Gallery taking in the vast panorama before them. This central spot is easily accessible via the underground or by bus. A London luxury hotel of a new breed the Metropolitan offers chic interiors, outstanding services and its signature wellness programs to give a visit to the city a new twist.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
