but they are not always popular with local residents, particularly in some historic cities. London is very old and is spread over a vast area, so there are not many tall buildings in the center of the city. As a result, the construction of the Shard, the tallest building in London and in the entire European Union, has been highly controversial. It is only few hundred meters across the River Thames from the Tower of London-one of the oldest and most famous landmarks in London. Many feel that such modern constructions should not be built near to historic sites.