The Gherkin

The Gherkin is London’s second tallest building standing at 180 metres (591ft) tall.  It has 41 floors overlooking the City of London.  It is a stunning looking building by day but even more so by night when all lit up.

The Gherkin is officially known as 30 St Mary Axe however it’s round, vegetable like design has earned it the nickname we all know it by, The Gherkin.  It is one of the capital’s most famous buildings that grace the London skyline.

Sir Norman Foster designed the glass fronted tower and The Gherkin opened in 2004.  Despite its shape, it is surprising that the only piece of curved glass used on the building is the lens at the very top of the tower.

The building houses 18 passenger lifts and they each travel at speeds of up to 6 metres (20ft) per second.

The City of London location is fantastic and is close to Leadenhall Market, The Monument and the Bank of England Museum.