Достопримечательности Англии: Биг-Бен

The Elizabeth Tower, commonly called Big Ben, is among London's most iconic landmarks. It was built in 1859. Technically, Big Ben is the name given to the massive bell inside the tower. It weighs more than 13 tons.
The Elizabeth Tower stands 96 metres tall and has 11 floors. There are 334 steps to climb up to the belfry. Dials of the clock are seven metres in diameter. An hour hand is 2.8m in length; a minute hand is 4.3m.
The latin words under the clockface read Domine Salvam Fac Reginam Nostram Victoriam Primam, which means "O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First".
You can tell when parliament is in session by looking at the clock face. A special light above the clock faces is illuminated when parliament is in session.
The 150th anniversary of the Elizabeth Tower was celebrated in 2009. Formerly known as the Clock Tower, the structure was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012.
The tower is recognised all over the world. It is one of the most prominent symbols of the United Kingdom. It is often used in the establishing shot of films set in London.