The skyscraper, officially known somewhat prosaically as 30 St Mary Axe after its exact address, is known to no Londoner as anything other than The Gherkin.
Completed in 2004, this new-futuristic high-rise earned its nickname and popularity thanks to its unusual and all-conquering shape of small pickles.
The Gherkin reaches a height of 180 metres, making it a mid-rise skyscraper within London.
The unique architecture of Norman Foster
The unmistakable shape was designed by none other than the famous British architect Sir Norman Foster, who designed, for example, the redevelopment of the British Museum, the Millennium Bridge pedestrian bridge and the new London Town Hall in London alone.
The cone or cucumber shape was chosen to minimise air turbulence in the building's densely built-up surroundings. The skyscraper is designed to be significantly energy efficient, requiring only about half the energy of similar buildings.
Interestingly, although The Gherkin gives a rounded impression, all the glass panes used on the building's skin are straight. The only rounded piece of glass is used at the very top of the building.
The best views of "The Gherkin"
One of the most popular spots to photograph the skyscraper is the square at the junction of Leadenhall and Lime Street (see location on map), where you can fit The Cucumber and its traditional buildings in the foreground with St Andrew's Church.
There are also popular views of The Gherkin with its traditional buildings from Mitre Street, or from the Sky Garden viewpoint at the 20 Fenchurch Street high-rise.
The Cucumber itself does not have a publicly accessible viewing platform, but the views from it would not be the best anyway, either because of its relatively low height or simply because the view from the viewing platform would not show one of London's most prominent skyscrapers - the Cucumber itself.
Accommodation in the City
Although the City is one of the main centres of London, you can stay relatively cheaply (by London standards) from about 147 eur per night at the popular Motel One Tower Hill.
The closest accommodation to The Gherkin is the 4* Great St Helen Hotel.
How to get to The Gherkin?
The Gherkin stands in the heart of London's City business district surrounded by other modern buildings. The building is very accessible by public transport.
The nearest tube station:
- Aldgate - 250 metres, Metropolitan and Circle lines
- Liverpool Street - 350 metres, Central, Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City lines
Nearest bus stops:
- Duke's Place - 200 metres, lines 42, 78, 100, 135, 205
- St. Katherine Cree - 300 metres, line 25
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