The Monument, London

Standing tall at the corner of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill is one of London’s most dramatic memorials: The Monument to the Great Fire of London, or simply The Monument, if you’re short on time (or breath after the climb).

This towering tribute to catastrophe was dreamed up by Sir Christopher Wren and his scientifically-minded pal Dr. Robert Hooke. Built between 1671 and 1677, it marks the spot-well, almost. The fire started 202 feet away in a bakery on Pudding Lane, and wouldn’t you know it, the column stands exactly 202 feet tall. Coincidence? Absolutely not.

Crafted from elegant Portland stone, The Monument is a fluted Doric column crowned with a dramatic golden urn of fire-because subtlety is overrated when you're commemorating one of London's biggest disasters. And it’s not just a pretty face: for a brief time, this beauty moonlighted as a scientific instrument, designed to observe stars and study gravity. It didn’t revolutionize astronomy, but scored points for ambition...

If you're feeling brave, you can climb all 311 spiral steps to the top viewing platform, 160 feet above the city streets. The reward is the sweeping views of London and a mild cardio workout. Not in the mood to huff and puff? No worries-there’s a live feed from the top waiting for you at ground level. Elevation without exertion.

And don’t miss the dramatic bas-relief at the base, which shows King Charles II and the Duke of York dressed like Roman emperors heroically overseeing post-fire cleanup. This is because, perhaps, in their day, nothing said “we’re back, baby” better than togas and symbolism...

Today, The Monument is both a striking photo op and a sturdy reminder of London’s ability to rise from the ashes-literally. Open daily from 09:30 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm (yes, it takes a lunch break), it’s an easy stroll from other big names like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Borough Market.