Culture of Birmingham. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Birmingham will be surely loved by fans of exciting excursions. This city has retained a great number of interesting monuments and historical sites that keep curious travellers amazed. The building of the local university, which was completed in 1900, is without a doubt an interesting attraction. The beautiful building made from red brick is distinguished by truly original architectural forms. The design of premises and halls also deserves the highest praise. Over a hundred years University of Birmingham has been mentioned in the list of best institutions of its kind the UK.

Among the architectural places of interest we should definitely mention St. Martin’s Church, which was built in the second half of the 13th century. It is believed that the site, on which is built this beautiful cathedral, is mystical. Each year a huge number of pilgrims come to the church. Visitors constantly notice a feeling of incredible strength and grace of the divine spirit that comes from this place. The beautiful Gothic church is the main symbol of Birmingham and its most beautiful architectural monument. Guests of the city should also not to forget to make a visit to the building of an ancient town hall built in the 19th century. The design of the town hall is a great example of classicism. The architectural form of the building is very harmonious. If you visit it, you will surely trace truly best traditions of ancient Greece and Rome. The building also amazes tourists with its somewhat self-restraint and rigorous lines.

A beautiful church of St. Chad was built in the middle of the 19th century. The church is a stunning example of marvelous Gothic style. The beautiful cathedral is graceful and strong, romantic and emotional – a true must-see place of interest. During the excursion make sure you do not forget to observe the inner decoration of the cathedral, which is also a striking example of elegance and refinement. Barber Institute of Fine Arts is one more notable sight of Birmingham. Tourists are traditionally offered to visit the art gallery located in the territory of the institute. The gallery exhibits a large collection of works by Gainsborough, Degas, Monet, Renoir and Turner. In addition to fine paintings, visitors will see a marvelous collection of sculptures, which will certainly delight even most hard-to-please connoisseurs of art. A walk through ancient streets of Birmingham will definitely bring great pleasure and lots of unforgettable memories. During this walk you will surely see many beautiful historic buildings, squares and boulevards. The city is also home to numerous art galleries and museums, each of which exhibits various collections of interesting and unique items. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There is a great variety of interesting buildings in Birmingham, the architecture of which is unique. The Blakesley Hall is one of them. The building has a historical value, as it is a vivid example of a peasant house from the time of Elizabeth I. Interesting festivals and concerts are often held here. The Selly Manor, which at first glance looks quite simple, is very spacious inside. The atmosphere that prevails here is truly considered authentic – while inside, it is quite possible to forget that it is the 21st century outside. It is also noteworthy that you can try on medieval clothes in the house-museum, and the owners show all their cordiality and hospitality.

Fans of Tolkien will like the Sarehole Mill for the fact that the writer lived not far from here. Also in the area one can guess the outlines of the “Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” mill. It is so cute and charming here that it seems as though Tolkien’s fairy tale may become a reality. The mill is the main attraction of Shire Country Park – a huge complex, which includes places that are somehow connected with fantasy saga. In addition to Sarehole Mill, you can find here Moseley Bog, Scribers Lane, Chinn Brook Recreation Ground, Burbury Brickworks and some other places.

The most interesting street for a walk, by definition, is the Gas Street Basin. Here are wonderful channels, and just an amazing combination of antiquity and modernity. There is also another romantic place here, namely, the Lover’s Bridge. It is precisely here, as the name implies, that couples in love gather. The embankment is very romantic and it is pleasurable to have a walk here, especially in the evening. Another recommended place to visit is the Aston Hall. The magnificent garden on the territory of the house-museum is notable.

Among the religious monuments, it is mandatory to visit the Birmingham Cathedral. This is the most important cathedral of Ozzy Osborne and Tony Iommi’s hometown. It is remarkable for its exquisite stained glass windows and good acoustics, and for the fact that in the evening the building is beautifully illuminated, giving a special romance to the area. The Hall of Memory was installed in the city in honor of the victims of all the wars in which the inhabitants of Birmingham took part. This is to enable the people remember what the war led to and keep the heroes in their hearts. The sculpture of the “Three Wise Men” is of interest. Its deep meaning will make you marvel. You should surely read what is written on the tablet in order to understand it.