What is the Palace of Westminster in London and why is it significant?

The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is the meeting place of the two houses of the British Parliament - the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It is located on the north bank of the River Thames in the City of Westminster, London.

The Palace of Westminster was originally a royal palace built in the eleventh century for the Kings of England. It was converted into a parliamentary building in the mid-nineteenth century after a fire destroyed much of the original palace. The Palace is home to several significant features such as the Big Ben clock tower and the Westminster Hall which is one of the few remaining parts of the original palace. The Palace of Westminster is known for its distinctive Gothic architecture and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

The Palace of Westminster is significant for several reasons. It is the home of the British Parliament, the oldest parliament in the world with a history spanning over 900 years. The Palace is the center of political power in the United Kingdom and it is the place where important decisions and debates take place. It is also an iconic symbol of London and British democracy, attracting millions of visitors every year.

In recent years, the Palace of Westminster has undergone extensive restoration and renovation work to address issues with the building's infrastructure, including the risk of fire and flood damage. The restoration work is expected to continue until the mid-2030s, and it is intended to ensure that the Palace remains a safe and functioning home for the British Parliament for generations to come.