Landmark
Erected between 1840 and 1843, Nelson's Column commemorates Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the moment of victory in the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar, and stands 52 metres tall with a statue of Nelson looking out over the square and down Whitehall toward the Admiralty. Guarded by four bronze lions cast from captured French cannons, it functions as the visual and symbolic centre of Trafalgar Square, and reviewers with a 4.6 rating consistently describe the surrounding energy as much as the column itself. It's a natural extension of any Trafalgar Square visit rather than a separate stop, best appreciated alongside the square's fountains and surrounding galleries.
✨ Reasons to go
💡 Good to know
⏱️ Typical visit
10 min
🚶 Walking intensity
Easy pace
What people say
"Nelson's Column, is located in the center of Trafalgar Square in London, England. It is situated in the City of Westminster, central London, and stands directly in front of the National Gallery. The statue at the top is depicting Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, a naval hero who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It was sculpted by Edward Hodges Baily. The monument features a massive Corinthian column made of granite, atopping on a 18 foot sandstone statue. The Corinthian column is made of Dartmoor granite. The capital at the top is decorated with bronze acanthus leaves cast from the metal of British cannons. The entire structure rises to approximately 169 feet, towering over the square. It was built between 1840 and 1843 to commemorate Nelson's decisive victory. The square itself is a central landmark in the City of Westminster. Our visit to this 'much-wanting-to-see' square took place during 2024. What a walk about it was, relishing these pieces of history, in certain places, where the eyes could observe clearly."
— Neeru Das
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