Manchester
The city of Manchester is the center of the Greater Manchester conurbation, which is the second largest urban area in the United Kingdom. Founded long ago as a Celtic town, it took its name from the Latin "Mamucium", which came to translate the former Celtic designation for "breast-like hill". Manchester grew to become the most important city in Britain during the industrial revolution and to compete today with Birmingham the status of "second city" in the UK.Manchester is located about 260 km northwest of London and is commonly known as "the capital of the north". It is set on the right bank of the Irwell River while Mersey River crosses its southern part. The city was included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of its beautiful canals and authentic mills from the 19th century.
Manchester today amazes visitors with its architecture. It has a Victorian core and bustling modern areas. There are skyscrapers, a bit untypical for Europe, neighbored by old buildings - such as the Town Hall in its gothic-revival charm. The verdant areas like Heaton parks, which is one of the biggest European municipal parks, also have their important place in the city. One of the most famous symbols of Manchester became the B of the Bang, which was built to mark the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
Despite of the industrial past of the city, it is today mainly service-oriented. One of the best places to do business, Manchester is a key financial center, home to media headquarter, artistic and creative core.