Is Big Ben the name of the clock tower in London?
Big Ben is actually the nickname of the giant bell inside London's famous clock tower. The tower itself was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
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World Capital Facts
World capital facts and facts about world capitals.
119 facts on this shelf
What is the oldest underground railway in the world?
The London Underground opened in 1863, making it the oldest underground railway in the world.
What is the City of London?
The City of London is a separate area of about one square mile inside greater London, with its own Lord Mayor and police force.
Why are ravens kept at the Tower of London?
At least six ravens are kept at the Tower of London because of a legend that the kingdom will fall if they ever leave.
How many rooms does Buckingham Palace have?
Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 78 bathrooms.
What is "The Knowledge"?
London's black cab drivers must pass "The Knowledge," a test of about 25,000 streets, and studies found it physically enlarges part of their brain's memory center.
Who founded London?
London was founded by the Romans around 47 AD as a settlement called Londinium.
Why does the prime meridian run through London?
The prime meridian, the line of 0° longitude, runs through Greenwich in London, which was chosen as the world's reference point in 1884.
How many people died in the Great Fire of London?
The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed most of the medieval city, but only a handful of deaths were officially recorded.
How many languages are spoken in London?
London is one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world, with an estimated 300 or more languages spoken.
Was the Eiffel Tower supposed to be temporary?
The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair and was supposed to be torn down after 20 years, but it was saved because it was useful as a radio antenna.
Does the Eiffel Tower grow in summer?
The Eiffel Tower can grow about six inches taller in summer because its iron expands in the heat.
What is the most visited museum in the world?
The Louvre in Paris is the most visited art museum in the world.
What is in the Paris Catacombs?
The Paris Catacombs hold the remains of about six million people, moved from overcrowded cemeteries in the late 1700s.
How are Paris's neighborhoods numbered?
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, that spiral outward from the center like a snail shell.
Where is Point Zéro in Paris?
Point Zéro, a bronze marker in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral, is the official spot from which all road distances in France are measured.
When did Notre-Dame reopen after the fire?
Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened in December 2024, about five years after a 2019 fire destroyed its roof and spire.
Was there ever a fake Paris?
During WWI, France began building a fake Paris outside the city with lights to trick German bomber pilots.
Does Paris have its own Statue of Liberty?
Paris has a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty on Île aux Cygnes, an island in the Seine River.
What is Paris syndrome?
"Paris syndrome" describes the shock some visitors, especially from Japan, feel when the real Paris doesn't match their romantic expectations.
What is the largest metropolitan area in the world?
Greater Tokyo is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with about 37 million people.
What was Tokyo's original name?
Tokyo was originally called Edo and was renamed in 1868, when it became Japan's imperial capital.
What is the Shibuya Crossing?
Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world, with crowds crossing from all directions at once.
Which city has the most Michelin-starred restaurants?
Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world.
What is the busiest train station in the world?
Tokyo's Shinjuku Station is the world's busiest train station, used by about 3.5 million people a day.
What are oshiya?
Tokyo train stations have employed "oshiya," or "pushers," whose job is to gently cram passengers onto packed rush-hour trains.
What is the tallest tower in the world?
Tokyo Skytree, at 634 meters, is the tallest tower in the world.
What happened to Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market?
Tokyo's famous Tsukiji wholesale fish market moved to a new site in Toyosu in 2018.
How many times has Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics?
Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics in 1964 and 2021. The 2021 Games were delayed a year by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who was Hachikō?
Hachikō was a loyal dog who waited at Tokyo's Shibuya Station for his owner every day for nearly 10 years after the owner died, and his statue there is now a famous meeting spot.
Which country is inside Rome?
Vatican City, the world's smallest country, is completely surrounded by the city of Rome.
What happens to coins thrown in the Trevi Fountain?
About €1.4 million in coins is tossed into Rome's Trevi Fountain each year, and the money goes to the Catholic charity Caritas.
Where does "all roads lead to Rome" come from?
The saying "all roads lead to Rome" comes from the Roman Empire's huge road network, which centered on a golden milestone in the Roman Forum.
How many people could the Colosseum hold?
The Colosseum in Rome could hold about 50,000 spectators.
What is special about the Pantheon's dome?
The Pantheon in Rome, completed around 125 AD, still has the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
When was Rome founded?
According to legend, Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BC, by Romulus, and the city still celebrates its birthday on that date.
How many fountains are in Rome?
Rome has around 2,000 fountains, more than any other city in the world.
Where is Rome's famous cat sanctuary?
Rome's Largo di Torre Argentina, the ruins where Julius Caesar was killed, is home to a famous cat sanctuary.
Why does Rome put SPQR on manhole covers?
Rome still stamps "SPQR," Latin for "the Senate and People of Rome," on manhole covers and public buildings.
Why is Rome called the Eternal City?
Rome is called "the Eternal City" because ancient Romans believed it would last forever.
Can Washington, DC residents vote for president?
Washington, DC isn't a state, and its residents couldn't vote for president until the 23rd Amendment was ratified in 1961.
Who designed Washington, DC?
French-born engineer Pierre L'Enfant designed the original street plan for Washington, DC.
Why are there no skyscrapers in Washington, DC?
Washington, DC has no skyscrapers because of the Height of Buildings Act of 1910, which limits building heights based on the width of the street.
Where did Washington, DC's cherry trees come from?
Washington, DC's famous cherry trees were a gift from the mayor of Tokyo in 1912.
What is the largest library in the world?
The Library of Congress in Washington, DC is the largest library in the world.
Why is the Washington Monument two colors?
The Washington Monument changes color about 150 feet up because construction stopped for over 20 years, and builders later used stone from a different quarry.
Do Smithsonian museums charge admission?
The Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC are free to visit.
What do Washington, DC license plates say?
Washington, DC license plates say "End Taxation Without Representation" to protest the city's lack of a voting member in Congress.
Who helped survey Washington, DC?
Benjamin Banneker, a free Black astronomer and mathematician, helped survey the boundaries of Washington, DC.
How many rooms does the White House have?
The White House has 132 rooms.
How many rooms does the Forbidden City have?
Legend says Beijing's Forbidden City has 9,999 rooms, but surveys count about 8,700.
Which city has hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics?
Beijing is the only city to host both the Summer Olympics, in 2008, and the Winter Olympics, in 2022.
What does "Beijing" mean?
"Beijing" means "northern capital," while "Tokyo" means "eastern capital."
What are hutongs?
Hutongs are Beijing's traditional narrow alleyways.
What is Peking duck?
Peking duck, roasted duck with crispy skin, is Beijing's most famous dish.
What is the Temple of Heaven?
Beijing's Temple of Heaven is where emperors prayed for good harvests, and it's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Can you visit the Great Wall from Beijing?
Popular sections of the Great Wall, like Badaling, are a short trip from Beijing.
How big is Tiananmen Square?
Tiananmen Square in Beijing is one of the largest public squares in the world.
What happened to the Peking Man fossils?
The Peking Man fossils, found near Beijing at Zhoukoudian, disappeared in 1941 and have never been found.
Which city has the longest name in the world?
Bangkok's full ceremonial name is the world's longest place name, according to Guinness World Records.
What do Thai people call Bangkok?
Thai people call Bangkok "Krung Thep," which means "City of Angels."
Which city gets the most international visitors?
Bangkok has frequently ranked as the world's most visited city by international travelers in the Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index.
Is Bangkok sinking?
Bangkok is sinking by about one to two centimeters a year.
What is the Emerald Buddha made of?
The Emerald Buddha at Bangkok's Grand Palace is actually carved from jade.
How big is the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho?
The Reclining Buddha at Bangkok's Wat Pho is 46 meters long.
How was the Golden Buddha discovered?
Bangkok's Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit, made of about 5.5 tons of solid gold, was discovered in 1955 when its plaster covering cracked.
Why was Bangkok called the "Venice of the East"?
Bangkok was once called the "Venice of the East" because of its many canals.
Are there monitor lizards in Bangkok's parks?
Bangkok's Lumpini Park is home to monitor lizards.
What is unique about Thailand's history?
Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by a European power.
Does Berlin have more bridges than Venice?
Berlin has more bridges than Venice.
Who invented currywurst?
Herta Heuwer is credited with inventing currywurst in Berlin in 1949.
What is the Ampelmännchen?
The Ampelmännchen, the little hat-wearing figure on East German traffic lights, became a beloved symbol of Berlin.
What is the "Pope's revenge"?
When sunlight hits the ball of Berlin's TV Tower, it reflects in the shape of a cross, which Berliners nicknamed the "Pope's revenge."
How big is Berlin compared with Paris?
Berlin covers about nine times the area of the city of Paris.
When was the Brandenburg Gate built?
Berlin's Brandenburg Gate was completed in 1791.
What is Museum Island?
Museum Island in Berlin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What happened to Tempelhof Airport?
Berlin's Tempelhof Airport closed and is now a park.
Where was the döner kebab popularized?
The döner kebab was popularized in Berlin in the 1970s.
When did Berlin become Germany's capital again?
Germany voted in 1991 to move its capital from Bonn back to Berlin, and the government moved in 1999.
Which is the highest capital in the EU?
Madrid is the highest capital city in the European Union.
What is the oldest restaurant in the world?
Botín in Madrid, open since 1725, is the world's oldest restaurant according to Guinness World Records.
Where is Kilómetro Cero?
Kilómetro Cero, in Madrid's Puerta del Sol, is the point from which Spain's road distances are measured.
What is the Prado?
Madrid's Prado Museum is one of the world's greatest art museums.
How big is Madrid's Royal Palace?
Madrid's Royal Palace is the largest royal palace in Western Europe, with about 3,400 rooms.
Why are people from Madrid called "gatos"?
People born in Madrid are nicknamed "gatos," Spanish for "cats."
What is Madrid's famous bear statue?
Madrid's famous statue of a bear and a strawberry tree is the city's symbol.
Why is there an Egyptian temple in Madrid?
Madrid's Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple given to Spain.
What time do people eat dinner in Madrid?
People in Madrid often eat dinner around 9 or 10 p.m.
What stadium does Real Madrid play in?
Real Madrid plays at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
What does "Kremlin" mean?
"Kremlin" means "fortress" in Russian.
Why are Moscow's metro stations so fancy?
Many of Moscow's metro stations, like Komsomolskaya, were designed to look like palaces.
Were the architects of St. Basil's Cathedral blinded?
A legend says Ivan the Terrible blinded the architects of St. Basil's Cathedral so they could never build anything as beautiful, but historians consider it a myth.
Why is it called Red Square?
Red Square's name comes from the Russian word "krasnaya," which once meant "beautiful."
What is the Tsar Bell?
The Tsar Bell in Moscow is the largest bell in the world, but it has never been rung.
Is Lenin's body still on display?
Vladimir Lenin's body has been displayed in a mausoleum on Moscow's Red Square since 1924.
When was the Bolshoi Theatre founded?
Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre was founded in 1776.
Is Moscow the largest city in Europe?
Moscow is the largest city in Europe by population within its city limits.
What is the tallest freestanding structure in Europe?
Moscow's Ostankino Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in Europe.
What is GUM?
GUM is a famous department store on Moscow's Red Square.
What does "Cairo" mean?
Cairo's Arabic name, "Al-Qahira," means "the Victorious."
How big is Cairo?
Greater Cairo is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Africa.
What is the Grand Egyptian Museum?
The Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza is the largest museum in the world devoted to a single civilization.
Why is Cairo called the City of a Thousand Minarets?
Cairo is nicknamed the "City of a Thousand Minarets" because of its many mosques.
How old is Al-Azhar University?
Cairo's Al-Azhar University, founded in the 970s, is one of the oldest universities in the world.
Do people live in Cairo's City of the Dead?
People live among the tombs in Cairo's City of the Dead, a huge historic cemetery.
What is the Cairo Tower shaped like?
The Cairo Tower is designed to look like a lotus plant.
How old is the Khan el-Khalili bazaar?
Cairo's Khan el-Khalili bazaar dates back to the 1300s.
Are the Pyramids of Giza near Cairo?
The Pyramids of Giza sit on the edge of greater Cairo.
When did Cairo's metro open?
The Cairo Metro opened in 1987 as the first metro in Africa.
Is Amsterdam the seat of the Dutch government?
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, but the government sits in The Hague.
Does Amsterdam have more bikes than people?
Amsterdam has more bicycles than people.
How many canals are in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has about 165 canals, and its historic canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is Amsterdam built on?
Much of Amsterdam is built on wooden piles. The Royal Palace alone rests on 13,659 of them.
Why are Amsterdam's houses so narrow?
Amsterdam's houses are narrow because property taxes were once based on width, and many have hooks on top for hoisting furniture.
Where is the Anne Frank House?
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam preserves the hidden annex where Anne Frank wrote her diary.
Where is "The Night Watch"?
Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" hangs in Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum.
Where does Amsterdam's name come from?
Amsterdam's name comes from a dam built on the Amstel River.
How many bikes are pulled out of Amsterdam's canals?
About 12,000 to 15,000 bikes are pulled out of Amsterdam's canals each year.
Where was the first stock exchange?
The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, which began trading Dutch East India Company shares in 1602, is considered the world's oldest stock exchange.