London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a 21st century city with a history dating back to Roman times. At its center are the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic Big Ben clock tower and Westminster Abbey. Across the River Thames, the London Eye offers panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex and the entire city. It is a global center of finance, culture, fashion and gastronomy, a sprawling metropolis that is as dynamic as it is diverse.