Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

Primarily an industrial port city, Liverpool grew to prominence as a result of trade with the Americas in the 1700s. The tradition of exporting goods much desired in the Americas (and elsewhere) from Liverpool continued at least until the 1960s, when the Beatles became the most famous commodity ever to reach the "Colonies." Aside from its role as a port city, Liverpool is home to one of the largest provincial universities in the United Kingdom, educating students since 1903. Architecture buffs will find a number of notable edifices well worth exploring. Two outstanding examples of classical architecture, St. George's Hall and the Town Hall, rank among the most beautiful in the world. The striking Anglican Liverpool Cathedral is the largest Anglican church in Britain.