Royal Liver Building, Liverpool

The Royal Liver Building is one of Liverpool's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the city's rich maritime heritage. Standing majestically on the Pier Head, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City, the building is a testament to Liverpool's historical significance in global trade and commerce.

Constructed between 1908 and 1911 for the Royal Liver Assurance group, which sought to provide locals with financial security, the building is notable for its pioneering use of reinforced concrete and its distinctive architectural style. The Royal Liver Building is one of the 'Three Graces', alongside the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building, which together form an impressive waterfront skyline.

The building's iconic status is further cemented by the two fabled Liver Birds that perch atop its twin clock towers, watching over the city and the sea. Legend has it that if these mythical birds were to fly away, Liverpool would cease to exist. Each bird faces a different direction: one looks out to the sea, guarding the sailors and their safe return, while the other watches over the city, protecting its citizens.

The clocks on the Liver Building are larger than those of Big Ben in London and were the largest electrically driven clocks in the world at the time of their installation. The building's facade is adorned with intricate details, including maritime emblems and mythical creatures, reflecting Liverpool's seafaring spirit.

Now housing office space and serving as the headquarters for various companies, the Royal Liver Building remains a working edifice in the heart of Liverpool. While access to the interior of the building is generally reserved for office workers and not open to the public, the building's exterior and the surrounding area are popular with tourists and locals alike.