Albert Square is a tree-lined central square often overshadowed by Manchester's grandest building – the Town Hall, with its spectacular Gothic façade and gigantic clock tower. But it was the Square that was planned, and built first, before the Town Hall was even on the drawing board. The reason is standing grandly in its middle. The Albert Memorial is a typically extravagant tribute from Manchester to Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria who tragically young, died part-way through her long reign.Shortly after his death in 1861, the Manchester Corporation's Monuments Committee decided a statue should be erected in his honour. But with no suitable space to display what was envisioned as a canopied memorial, it was delayed – until this section of slums and derelict land was offered up by its owners. What was once called Longworth's Folly was cleared of its decrepit dwellings, and Albert Square started to take shape in 1864.The Memorial itself was installed in 1865, and is certainly an imposing piece of sculpture, with its ornate spire and canopied pinnacles. It's not just Prince Albert who is remembered in the Square, though. Walk around its perimeter and you'll find the famous British prime minister, William Gladstone, and US President Abraham Lincoln, as well as assorted Mancunian bishops, bankers and politicians.But most come to Albert Square not to spot statues, but to admire the 'front lawn' of Manchester's finest civic buildings – or to take part in one of Manchester's impromptu celebrations of football success. When one of the city's two famous clubs – United or City – has won a trophy or cup, Albert Square quickly becomes a sea of red or blue. Just remember to check which colour-code applies before you head to Albert Square to join in the party.
Albert Square Tours and Activities
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Tours & day trips
See all 90 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Manchester: Lake District Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 16 activitiesOpens in new tabHard Rock Cafe Manchester Dining Experience
Attractions
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabELVIS on the River
Shows & concerts
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabManchester: Alcotraz Immersive Cocktail Experience Ticket
Popular places to visit
Manchester Christmas Market
During your visit to Manchester, you can do some window-shopping at Manchester Christmas Market. Experience the area's entertainment choices and acclaimed theatre scene.
Manchester City Hall
Admired for its stunning Victorian Gothic exterior, it's the lesser-known, but equally majestic, halls inside that make the Town Hall an enthralling experience.
St Mary's The Hidden Gem
Find out about the history of Manchester when you take a trip to St Mary's The Hidden Gem. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Square may now be a peaceful space overlooked by historical buildings – but it was once the site of an atrocity that shook Manchester and Britain.
John Rylands Research Institute and Library
A red-stoned 'cathedral' that's a treasure-store for some of the oldest and most important books and manuscripts from literary history.
Manchester Art Gallery
For two centuries, this proud institution has mixed the best of Manchester's artists with fine examples of work from around Britain – and the world.
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