The Architecture of Birmingham

While the city boasts a history dating back many centuries, the more prominent buildings in modern day Birmingham began to appear around the 18th century. There are a wealth of places to stay for anyone planning a sightseeing trip to this beautiful city, ranging from city centre guesthouses, to hotels in Birmingham Star City – a extensive shopping and leisure complex on the outskirts of the city.

The city of Birmingham enjoyed a slow growth throughout the Middle Ages, but it wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that it began to explode in size, accelerating towards the thriving city it is today. Only a few buildings can be seen today that predate this time, and those that do are generally under rigorous protection orders. In total, Birmingham boasts almost 2000 listed buildings!

Those looking for the more ancient sites of Birmingham, will be able to visit a number of surviving Medieval churches around the city. The original church of St. Martin in the Bullring is a good example of such a site, along with a number of others built between the Medieval and Tudor periods; the Saracen’s Head is a 15th century pub, while the Lad in the Lane and the Old Grammar School are great examples of public buildings from around the same era.

It is much easier to spot Georgian buildings around the centre of Birmingham, as there are many fine examples standing to this day. The Town Hall is one of them, along with many of the town houses that surround the picturesque St. Paul’s Square. St. Philip’s Cathedral was also built in Georgian times, and this remarkable sacred site is well worth a visit for anyone interested in beautifully ornate architecture.

So, find yourself a good hotel in the centre of Birmingham (the Blueberry Hotel in particular comes with a high recommendation), and head out to explore the sights of this historic city. From Medieval churches to Georgian grammar schools, Birmingham features an impressive range of richly contrasted architectural styles, and would make a great destination for anyone in search of a cultural break in the UK.