The Shard, London Top Attraction ©Solange Hando
Opened in 2013, The Shard was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano as a 'vertical city' where people could work, live and relax. Above the offices, restaurants and bars, luxury hotel and residences, observation platforms on floors 68-72 are open to the public below the tall spiky arrow.
This most challenging top section was built in a Yorkshire steel plant, then taken apart, transported to London and reassembled on the site.
View towards the London Eye, Big Ben and St Paul's Cathedral nearby ©Solange Hando
Rising 244 metres above the city, the top platform offers all round views stretching from Heathrow airport in the west to the Thames estuary in the east. From the meandering river and its many bridges to London's main monuments, the panorama is unbeatable by clear weather.
Shard Shadow ©Solange Hando
Once you have reached the observation platforms, via the dedicated lifts (there are 40 lifts altogether in the building), you can stay as long as you wish and on a sunny day, watch the Shard's shadow creeping along the river as if to reflect the passing of the time.
All windows are kept beautifully clean, fully enclosed on floor 68 but when you reach 72, expect the cool breeze blowing through the top open floors (not accessible). There are 95 floors in all.
View towards Canary Wharf ©Solange Hando
Equally good view on this side, from the Tower Bridge and beyond where the river seems to wind on to the horizon. The Shard is covered by 11,000 glass panels, assembled in the Netherlands, and cleaned on the top floors by climbing/abseiling experts. During the construction, up to 1450 workers from 60 nationalities were employed at peak times.
That says it all ©Solange Hando
What more could you want? Sip away the best champagne -at a price- or a fabulous cocktail or treat yourself to a scoop of Italian ice cream.
One shouldn't rush a visit to The Shard and if you can't get enough of the views, you can upgrade your ticket and return in the evening to see the London lights.
Enjoy and Take Care ©Solange Hando
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