Liverpool
Liverpool disputed the rank of third city in England against the second-s Birmingham and Manchester, though these three cities follow a different path of development. Citizens of Liverpool are known as "Scousers", a nickname originated from the word "scouse" designating the traditional meal of the area - a kind of stew.The city was first founded by a royal decree by King John in 1207. It is located in Merseyside, along the river Mersey’s estuary. It is set across a chain of sandstone hills, thus offering a mixed panorama for nature lovers to visit in the outskirts. Its image in and outside England is mainly due to the development of visual and performance arts, music and … the docks. The city of Liverpool has long traditions in dramatic art and has a number of theaters to develop these traditions today – Neptune, Empire, Royal Court, Everyman, etc. Among most famous artists born in the city was the painter George Stubbs (18th century). Some of his works can be seen today in Walker Art Gallery. Modern art is presented in the Tate Liverpool Gallery – an impressive and exhaustive collection of contemporary art. Artistic life is also expressed in series of events, the most significant of which is the Liverpool Biennale - artistic fest held each September, October and November.
Liverpool has several symbols, one of which are the Three Graces – three most significant buildings at the waterfront - the Cunard Building (ex-home of the Cunard shipping company), the Port of Liverpool Building and the Royal Liver Building. The waterfront and the docks were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The most famous is the Albert Dock - which is the first non-combustible enclosed dock warehouse system. Among other symbols of the city are the football teams - especially Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C., as well as the famous players like Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerard, Wayne Rooney, etc. Nevertheless, the indisputable symbol of London are The Beatles. The world top-one band has marked the whole image of the city - even its airport is called Liverpool John Lennon Airport.