Big Ben, a Cultural Icon

How to view it in real life

To see or just to hear? It is not such a difficult question, because the Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben, is at the end of the Houses of Parliament, just across the Westminster underground station, right by the river Thames.

The tower itself, 96 metres high, dominates the surrounding landscape and Big Ben's chimes defy the urban noise every time. The hourly chimes seem to stop the hustle and bustle of everyday city life, for a second or two at least. When the skies are clear and it's early in the morning, the magnificent sounds travel quite far, several miles away.

Otherwise, when the metropolis activity is at full tilt, passers-by have to walk much closer to discern the famous melody known as Westminster Quarters. On the hour, the Great Bell, Big Ben, adds its own voice, tuned to E.

Seeing is believing

If hearing the chimes may involve at times getting closer to Big Ben, too close is not ideal for any viewing purposes. Pure contemplation requires some respectful distance, to allow the eyes to take it all in. It applies to museum masterpieces and to architectural ones just as well. As the Big Ben clock has four faces, it makes it easier to choose one vantage point.

Apparently, the most photographed side is the northern one, visible after crossing the Westminster Bridge from the south bank of river Thames.

London's timekeeper

Long before digital devices, the imposing tower clock in the heart of the city would tell the time in very clear terms. A visual message for those close enough and with good enough eyesight, a auditory signal for everyone. Big Ben has been an audio-visual timepiece ever since it's started its duties, in its long history.

Everyone waited patiently during the period of silence that began in August 2017, while major renovation world were carried out. Five years later, in November 2022, the chimes could be heard again and Big Ben returned, as it was aptly put on the Parliament’s website, "to regular service".