Belfast City Hall is a stunning example of Baroque Revival architecture, designed by architect Alfred Brumwell Thomas and completed in 1906. The building's exterior is constructed from Portland stone and features a stunning copper dome, which offers panoramic views of the city.
The interior is equally impressive, with a grand entrance hall featuring a beautifully tiled floor, marble walls, and ornate plasterwork. The building's Great Hall is adorned with stunning stained-glass windows and a beautifully painted ceiling.
The history of Belfast City Hall is closely tied to the city's growth and development. In the late 19th century, Belfast underwent rapid industrialization and became a major commercial center. The city's corporation decided to build a new town hall to reflect Belfast's status as a thriving city.
The building has played a significant role in Belfast's history, hosting numerous important events, including the city's coronation celebrations in 1902 and the visit of King George V in 1924. During World War II, the building served as a military headquarters and a air-raid shelter.
In the 1990s, the building underwent a major restoration project, which restored its original grandeur and added modern facilities. Today, Belfast City Hall is a popular tourist attraction, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and events throughout the year.
Some of the highlights of the building include:
The Grand Entrance Hall, featuring a stunning tiled floor and marble walls The Great Hall, with its stunning stained-glass windows and painted ceiling The Council Chamber, where the city's council meetings are held The Lord Mayor's Suite, featuring a beautifully restored Victorian-era interior The Titanic Exhibition, showcasing the city's role in the construction of the ill-fated ship
Overall, Belfast City Hall is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture. Its stunning interior, rich history, and significance in Belfast's development make it a truly unique and...
Read moreWe came on the 15th of March at 14:45 to the guided tour, paid 6£ each for 2 people. We asked where is the cloakroom and we were told „this is a government building, there is no cloakroom“. It is a weird excuse for not having the basic things in the main building of the city. We went to toilet and left our big jackets outside, since we were with 1y.o. baby it was more comfortable than taking everything inside of the toilet/changing room. When we went out a small fat blond security woman came to us and told absolutely impolite that we are not allowed to do it, since (again) it’s a government building and they don’t have a cloakroom. I said „there is a cloakroom in Stormont and it is a Parlament Building“, which she absolutely ignored. I mean, who you will chase in case of emergency? A turtle?
Then my husband brought me a plastic cup of water that we got from the 1st floor of the building and that unpleasant woman came again and said „you are not allowed to drink water in the building!“ I got water 2m away where we were standing! She was so rude and ruined our first impression of the Belfast City Hall. We travelled thousands of kilometres not for this kinda attitude and it is beyond unacceptable. I ask the manager to take care of the antisocial behaviour of the stuff.
The guided tour started not at 15:00, but at 15:15, which is also annoying. It was done very fast by an old brunette woman with short hair and after 30 min she started shouting at us to leave the building as soon as possible! Her speech was unclear and she wanted to make it fast. We will never come back to this building and 12£ were wasted money.
Better go to Stormont, there is a free tour, goddamn cloakroom and a...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of visiting Belfast city center, the vibrant capital city of Northern Ireland. As a history buff, I was intrigued by Belfast's rich past, from its shipbuilding industry to the Troubles that plagued the city for decades. I also wanted to experience the city's culture and see its famous landmarks up close.
My visit to Belfast city center did not disappoint. The city was bustling with activity, from street performers and buskers to locals and tourists alike exploring the many shops, restaurants, and museums. The architecture of the buildings was a mix of old and new, with the stunning Gothic Revival City Hall standing out as a centerpiece of the city.
One of the highlights of my visit was the city tour bus service, which allowed me to see all of the city's major landmarks and attractions in one go. The tour was informative and engaging, with a knowledgeable guide providing commentary on the city's history, culture, and architecture. I saw famous sites such as the Peace Walls, the Crumlin Road Gaol, and the murals that depict the Troubles and the struggle for peace in Northern Ireland.
Another memorable moment from my visit was meeting some of the friendly locals, who were eager to share their stories and recommendations for things to see and do in the city. I was struck by the resilience and warmth of its people.
Overall, my visit to Belfast city center was a wonderful experience that exceeded my expectations. I gained a newfound appreciation for the city's history and culture, and was struck by the resilience and warmth of its people. I would highly recommend Belfast to anyone looking to explore Northern Ireland and immerse themselves in its...
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