Victoria Square, Birmingham

Often considered to be the center of the City, Victoria Square is a pedestrianized square. It is the location of Town Hall and the Council House and neighboring Chamberlain Square. St. Philip's Cathedral is nearby on Colnore Row. And it is within walking distance of the Bull Ring and Brindleyplace.

Once known as the Council House Square, it was renamed Victoria Square in 1901. Unfortunately the Queen died about a week later.

During the last century the Square became an ongoing traffic jam. It was determined to redevelop the square, making it a pedestrianized area. It was opened by Diana, Princess of Wales in 1994. A fountain in the Square designed by Dhruva Mistry was called, "The River." It was a nude in a fountain. Locals called it "The Floozy in the Jacuzzi."

Other statues were in the square before redevelopment. Queen Victoria is the only one that remains. It was created by Thomas Brock in 1901 and recast in bronze in 1951 by William Blove.

During the Christmas season the square becomes the venue for the Frankfort Christmas Market and craft Fair. The craft fair connects to another similar fair in Chamberlain Square. The Frankfort fair features wooden huts as stalls selling Jewelry, artwork, ornaments, and German food.

In July 2012 the Square was visited by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip while on the West Midland Diamond Jubilee Tour. They had a royal walkabout and accepted gifts from the City.