Today London is the capital of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the centre of the Commonwealth, and also the seat of the Royal Family, an Anglican Bishop and a Catilic Archbishop, the Parliament, the high courts, the major administrative bodies and scientific instructions.

There are also a plethora of religious and secular buildings of all styles and periods. Among these, those by Christopher Wren, the "architect of London", are outstanding. Numerous museum and galleries display precious and interesting finds from all parts of the world and from all stages of development of nature, man and art. Two large opera houses. the National Theatre with three different auditoriums, and 50 other theatres, offer something for every taste. The visitor may discover charming corners and alleyways. He may also wander down distinguished elegant of simple streets of houses, businesses and shops.

Noisy traffic junctions are to be found next to parks which are oases of tranquillity. Monuments are traces of past greatness are everywhere, as are traditions which are lovingly and faithfully adhered to - and sometimes smiled at by the outsiders. The colourful public events and parades offer the onlooker a hint of former greatness and splendour.