Barbican – London Highlights

I was not sure what to expect from the Barbican in London. The name rang a bell but I had never been nor did I know much about the site. As it happened we were close by and curiosity got the better of me.

From the outside the Barbican is not exactly pleasing to the eye. Wandering in through a dark passageway at street level the brutal architecture led us up a flight of external stairs and into an expansive network of corridors. After this ominous start I found myself warming to the place. The massive scale gave way to a surprisingly human site.

As we explored we kept turning corners and calling out to each other to come see the latest discovery. A church, a school, and a beautiful water feature are hidden within the confines of the Barbican. We discovered an indoor garden. Everywhere we went the place seemed considered.

I can understand the reputation of being a touch brutal. The scale is massive but it did not feel overwhelming. I have rather fond memories of this section of our recent visit to London. If you have a chance to visit the Barbican, I recommend taking an hour to explore.