Penzance is situated in the far West of Britain in the ancient Duchy of Cornwall. The name Penzance was made famous by the composers Gilbert and Sullivan who wrote the famous operetta "The Pirates of Penzance". Despite this fame there were very few actual pirates in the town, with the exception of the local rugby team.
Penzance has in parts some exceptional and interesting architecture. The imposing Market House with the equally imposing statue of Sir Humphry Davy is a significant feature of the town's main shopping street Market Jew Street (a name taken from the Cornish language. The most interesting street to a visitor is Chapel Street which forms the oldest part of the town and contains the only building built before 1595 the date of an infamous raid on the town by Spanish forces. There is also the Egyptian House a ornate building allegedly built to commemorate the battle of the Nile and the Union Hotel where the death of Nelson was first announced in 1805.
Further down the street is the world famous Admiral Benbow named after the Piratical Inn in Treasure Island. The interior of this building was decorated in the most amazing nautical style by renowned wreck diver Roland Morris. The back room of the pub is a restaurant built in the style of a naval officers mess.
For those on the look for culture Penzance has two major art galleries firstly the Exchange Gallery which exhibits contemporary art and Penlee House which is home to the Newlyn School of Painting's most famous works. There is also a theatre.
One of the most beautiful features of the town is Penzance Promenade which is runs from Penzance to the nearby fishing port of Newlyn. On a warm sunny day the view on the Promenade is hard to beat. At the very end of the Promenade is Newlyn Green and the Newlyn Art Gallery. At start of your walk there is also the art deco outdoor Jubilee Pool.
Penzance host's numerous festivals from the Literary Festival to Golowan it's largest when up to 40,000 people can be seen on the streets celebrating midsummer (Golowan in the Cornish language). There is also the annual Montol festival on the 21st of December a rare opportunity to see the eccentric and mysterious custom of Guise Dancing throughout Cornwall.
