A tour of amazing architecture of Belfast is a tour of architectural styles through the ages, as the buildings cover a great many different styles throughout the past few centuries. From modern buildings that have been constructed to help regenerate the city, such as the state of the art Waterfront Hall, to Edwardian style cathedrals that offer many sculptures, there are plenty of grand architectural styles to feast your eyes on while touring the city. Here are just a few of the buildings you must check out while in the city.
One of your first stops should be at Queen’s University where you can find the Lanyon Building, which was originally designed back in 1849 by Sir Charles Lanyon. This Victorian landmark is stunning and perfectly fits in with the many other remarkable historical buildings that dot the campus.
History & Modernity
If you can tear yourself away from the grandeur of the university buildings, head over to City Hall, an amazing structure which was completed in 1906 but originally commissioned in 1888. The Dome of this venerable edifice soars 53 metres in height, and there are two sculptures that sit above the door meant to represent Belfast’s unique contribution to commerce and the arts.
A more modern structure that you can use to break up your history lesson is the Obel Tower. The Tower cost a whopping sixty million to build, and is easily one of the most modern buildings in Belfast. It is also the tallest building on the island of Ireland measuring 85 metres.
While in the City Centre of Belfast head over to the Europa Hotel, a four star establishment that now is a sleek and proud member of the skyline. However, this hotel was actually bombed 27 times, and is known as being one of the most frequently bombed hotels in all of Europe. Remarkably, each time it has been rebuilt and is still standing proud today.
Stroll down the street to see the Albert Clock which was built in memory of Queen Victoria and is 35 metres in height. It has a slight lean to it but it is still quite astounding to view.
Finally, round out your trip by walking through St. George’s Market, and emerging on the other side to visit the Tudor Revival-styled Saint Malachy’s Catholic Church. The church was completed in 1844 and is one of two buildings that are still standing in Belfast that was constructed using only hand made bricks.