Lic. Teresa Oregel

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most famous landmarks and the seat of the Bishop of London.

The first cathedral dedicated to Saint Paul was built on this site in AD 604. Over the centuries, several churches were destroyed by fires, invasions, and rebuilding projects. The medieval cathedral, known as Old St Paul’s, was largely destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666.

The present cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and was completed in 1710 after more than 30 years of construction. Its magnificent dome became one of the most recognisable features of London’s skyline.

During the Second World War, St Paul’s Cathedral survived the heavy bombing of London, becoming a symbol of hope and resilience for the British people.

The cathedral has hosted many important national events, including the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill in 1965 and the wedding of Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1981.

Today, St Paul’s Cathedral remains an active place of worship and one of the most visited attractions in London, admired for its history, architecture, and stunning views from the top of its dome.

A view of the City of London from the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral.

British culture. “Fish and chips”

The Fish and chips became a traditional dish in England during the 19th century, particularly during the Industrial Revolution. It was an inexpensive, filling and easy meal for workers in industrial cities.

Fried fish was likely influenced by Sephardic Jewish communities who arrived in Britain, while chips were already popular across Europe. The combination quickly became one of the nation’s favourite meals because it was hot, satisfying and affordable.

During both World Wars, fish and chips remained widely available and even became an important symbol of comfort and normality for the British population.

Today, it is still considered one of the most iconic dishes in British cuisine, especially enjoyed in seaside towns, pubs and traditional “chippies”.

Buckingham Palace was originally built in 1703 as Buckingham House for the Duke of Buckingham. In 1761, King George III bought the house for Queen Charlotte, and it became known as “The Queen’s House”.

During the 19th century, the building was expanded and transformed into a grand royal palace by architects John Nash and Edward Blore. In 1837, Buckingham Palace officially became the London residence of the British monarch when Queen Victoria moved there after becoming queen.

Today, Buckingham Palace serves as the official residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch in London. It is also one of the most famous royal landmarks in the world and is used for ceremonies, state events and royal receptions.

The monument in front of Buckingham Palace is called the Victoria Memorial. It was built in honour of Queen Victoria after her death in 1901 and was officially unveiled in 1911. The memorial was designed by the sculptor Sir Thomas Brock and is made mainly of white marble.

At the top of the monument, there is a large golden statue representing Victory, symbolising triumph and glory. Around the memorial, there are several sculptures representing values such as Justice, Truth, Progress and Motherhood, reflecting the ideals associated with Queen Victoria’s reign and the British Empire.

Today, the Victoria Memorial is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and is often used as the focal point for royal ceremonies, celebrations and national events outside Buckingham Palace.

Studying in London is a transformative academic and cultural journey. Immersed in one of the world’s most dynamic and multicultural cities, I strengthened my command of the English language through real-world interaction, academic coursework, and daily exposure to diverse accents, contexts, and professional environments.

The Natural History Museum is one of the most famous and visited museums in London. It opened in 1881 and houses millions of specimens related to nature, evolution, dinosaurs, minerals, and space.

The museum is well known for its impressive Victorian architecture and interactive exhibitions. One of its main attractions is its enormous collection of dinosaur fossils and skeletons, as well as the galleries dedicated to Earth and the universe.

Besides being an important scientific institution, the museum aims to inspire people to understand and protect the natural world.