The Da Vinci Code history has sparked a great deal of interest in some London landmarks that feature prominently in the novel. Indeed the popularity of the novel has been a mixed blessing for some destinations who appreciate the increase in tourism but perhaps do not approve of the novel's message.
There are many companies who conduct Da Vinci Code tours in London, but if you would prefer to follow your own trail, it is certainly easy enough to do.
First stop is The Madonna of the Rocks at the National Gallery (pictured). Although this is a different version of the painting our heroes discover at the Louvre, you will still marvel at its beauty and puzzle over its symbolism.
The next stop is Biggin Hill Airport where Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu arrive in London on the trail of the mystery.
They then head to Temple Church, hoping to find the tomb of a knight, but instead find only dangerous villains.
King's College Library gives Langdon and Neveu the information they need to find the tomb in question, but meanwhile Teabing is disposing of his faithful servant Remy at Horse Guards Parade.
Opus Dei Headquarters in London is not open to the public, but Silas' refuge can be seen from the outside, as least.
Finally, Westminster Abbey is the location of the climax to the novel, where the Teacher is exposed and secrets are finally revealed.
In the end, we can all agree that as a novel, it is a fictional account, and although there may indeed be facts within the story, things have also understandably been changed and tailored to suit the needs of the storyline and the author. Perhaps the best part of The Da Vinci Code is how it has brought some of the more obscure theological debates out into the mainstream for us to discuss and consider more widely.
The Da Vinci Code history may be a novelisation of reality, but it certainly is entertaining.
The Da Vinci Code facts are sometimes not backed up by historical record, as seems to be the case with Da Vinci's painting of The Madonna of the Rocks.
Da Vinci Code locations like Biggin Hill Airport make for fun sightseeing; fans of the novel can retrace the footsteps of the main characters throughout London.
Tales of a mysterious Knights Templar treasure still circulate, but Temple Church is certainly their most visible legacy in London.
The Da Vinci Code cryptex was an invention of author Dan Brown, and King's College Library was not actually used in the filming of the movie.
The Da Vinci Code story hinges on mysterious and sinister doings at several well known London landmarks such as the Horse Guards Parade.
Opus Dei Headquarters makes for interesting sightseeing for visitors to London who are fans of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code.
The Da Vinci Code history mentions Westminster Abbey as an important location, but as officials are quick to point out, many of the novel's facts are actually fiction.
Photo courtesy: n_willsey
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