Many tourists mistakenly think of the City of London as an ordinary area of the capital, just a business district with offices and banks. In fact, the City is a special administrative unit with a unique status, rich history, independent politics and impressive architectural appearance. It is the place where London’s past, present and financial future are centered. 

The story of the City: from Londinium to financial metropolis

The City originated on the site of the Roman settlement of Londinium, founded around 43 AD and protected by the famous London Wall. The area remained the core of London during the Middle Ages, and in 886 was rebuilt by King Alfred the Great after the devastation caused by the Vikings. Even then, the City was already a center of commerce and power, surrounded by forts, markets, and parishes.

Despite the devastation – from the Great Fire of 1666 to Luftwaffe raids in World War II – the City retains its autonomy. It was here that the first rudiments of local government, including the selection of a mayor, sheriffs and aldermen, emerged. Even today, the management structure remains unique and the impact is disproportionate to its modest 1.12 square footprint. miles.

Policy and structure: how the City is governed

The City is governed by the City of London Corporation, the world’s oldest municipality. There are not only elections here, but also so-called “business voting” – a rare practice in the world, in which companies operating in the City also receive votes. This reflects the nature of the neighborhood: it’s not so much residential (population less than 9,000) as it is working – more than 500,000 people visit on weekdays.

The Court of Aldermen and the Court of Common Council form the basis of municipal government. Elections are held in 25 “wards” – districts that have historically developed over the centuries. Power in the City combines features of medieval tradition and modern efficiency.

Architecture and landmarks: from Wren to skyscrapers

Although much of the city has been rebuilt after bombings and fires, the City offers incredible architectural diversity:

• St. Paul’s Cathedral is Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, a survivor of the Blitz years. 
• Mansion House, the Royal Exchange, the Bank of England, the Old Bailey – symbols of financial and legal might. 
• Dr. Johnson’s House and the Staple Inn are rare examples of pre-industrial development. 
• The Barbican is a striking example of post-war modernism, including residential towers and the Barbican Cultural Center.

Skyscrapers are shaping the City’s modern look: 30 St. George’s Square. Mary Axe (Cornichon), Leadenhall Building (Cheesegrinder), 20 Fenchurch Street (The Radio) and 22 Bishopsgate, the largest of the new financial giants. This neighborhood shows how an ancient space can be a springboard for architectural and economic innovation. 

Tourist attraction: why go to the City

The City is not just a neighborhood of offices. It’s a real open-air museum. A walk through its streets is a journey through time: from fragments of the Roman wall to the newest skyscrapers. There are themed tours: the Wren churches, the Inner and Middle Temple legal quarters, Leadenhall and Smithfield markets Of particular value are:

• Monument to the Great Fire – a 62-meter high column with a panoramic platform. 
• Gardens and hidden courtyards – from St. Joseph’s and St. Joseph’s – from St. Joseph’s. Olave Hart Street to Finsbury Circus – creating coziness among glass giants. 
• London Bridge and the Tower of London, though technically outside the City, logically complete the route.

For art lovers, there’s the Barbican Centre, the largest performing arts center in Europe. Although compact, the City’s topography is varied, from the Thames shoreline to the Ludgate and Cornhill hills. Its boundaries are marked by dragon pillars and stone monuments, and the Fleet and Walbrook rivers still flow beneath the streets, hidden underground.

Thanks to the city’s heat island, nights here are warmer than on the outskirts of London. It was in the City that the highest night-time temperature in British history was recorded – +24°C in August 1990.

A city within a city you didn’t expect

The City of London is more than a square mile of banks. This is the heart of the British capital, where history has not just been preserved, but continues – in every street, building, tradition. It is a unique space where Roman ruins, medieval politics, Victorian aesthetics and 21st century skyscrapers organically coexist. 

Visiting London and not visiting the City of London is like visiting Paris and missing the Louvre. It’s not just a business district – it’s the real soul of the city.