Wellington Arch, London

Located across from the residence of the Duke of Wellington, Apsley House, stands this impressive stone arch, overseeing the bustling traffic at Hyde Park Corner. Crafted by Decimus Burton and finalized in 1828, it was conceived as a grand gateway to the western side of London, mirroring the design of another iconic structure, Marble Arch. Both arches serve as triumphant memorials commemorating Britain's victory over France in the Napoleonic Wars.

Crowning the structure, you'll find the Angel of Peace descending upon a quadriga, a four-horse chariot representing war. Inside, three levels house both permanent and temporary exhibitions that unveil the arch's history, including its previous role as London's smallest postwar police station. Two additional floors offer a more extensive exhibition focusing on the Battle of Waterloo.

For a modest perspective of Buckingham Palace gardens, Hyde Park Corner, and the bustling traffic below, you can also take a leisurely stroll onto the external balconies near the top of the monument.