Big Ben is an architectural gem and historic landmark of London, located to the northwest of the Palace of Westminster. Although it initially referred only to the bell, the term has come to encompass both the clock and the tower, which was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. It is notable for housing the largest four-faced clock in the world and being one of the tallest clock towers.

The history of Big Ben is intrinsically linked to the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster, ordered after the devastating fire of 1834. It was Sir Charles Barry who won the competition for the design of the new palace, including a clock tower in his plan. Construction of the tower began in 1843, but the entire clock project faced numerous challenges and was not completed until 1859, thus standing out for its lengthy and meticulous construction process.

The task of designing the clock fell to lawyer and amateur horologist Edmund Beckett Denison, who, along with George Biddell Airy, the Astronomer Royal, and clockmaker Edward John Dent, created a clockwork mechanism that would be noted for its unparalleled accuracy. The great bell, known as Big Ben, was cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, but the first bell cracked during testing. A second bell, cast in 1858, was eventually installed in the tower.

Over the years, Big Ben has witnessed numerous historic events and has remained a symbol of resistance. It survived the bombings of World War II, although the Palace of Westminster suffered significant damage. In 1976, the clock suffered a major breakdown when the mechanism broke, leading to a repair that lasted several months. More recently, the tower has undergone an extensive restoration project to preserve its structure and integrity for future generations.

The tower demands a physical effort to be fully explored, with 334 stone steps leading to its top, from where unforgettable views of the British capital can be captured.

Its iconic sound, familiar globally thanks to its inclusion in multiple film and television productions, is a reminder of perseverance and the transcendence of time. A visit is essential to understanding not only the history of London, but the human capacity to create enduring monuments over time.