Belfast as the last European city divided by a concrete wall (Northern Ireland). The damned city of Belfast. Walls of peace, fences of war Belfast is the capital of which country in English

Territory of modern Belfast(Belfast) has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. In the area, on the hills, you can still see the remains of the Giant's Ring (5000 year old Henge), and hill forts preserved from the Iron Age.

History of Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, but not to be confused with the Republic of Ireland, because they are two different countries. Located at the mouth of the Lagan, on the Irish Sea. Belfast is the main city and port of Northern Ireland. Population - 579,554 inhabitants (2001). The second most populous city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. The island's two most populous cities are connected by the M1 expressway, which allows you to get from one town to another in just over an hour.

In 1177, the Englishman John de Courcy built a castle on this site, but the actual appearance of the city is considered to be 1609, when King James began the settlement of Ulster (English Plantation of Ulster) by English and Scottish settlers. Sir Arthur Chichester received land in Ulster, including Belfast Castle, which he rebuilt in 1611. A small town arose around this castle.

At the beginning of the 17th century, the population of Belfast was approximately 1,000 people. Wool, leather, grains, butter and corned beef were all exported to England, Scotland and France. Belfast later began active trade with the colonies in North America and India.

At the end of the 17th century, the population increased to 1500-2000 people due to the French Huguenots, who were engaged in linen production, fleeing persecution. In the 18th century the population grew very quickly. By 1800 there were already about 20,000 people.

The first ones were founded: a newspaper in 1737, a bank in 1752 and a theater in 1768. The production and export of flax also increased sharply. Belfast continued its rapid growth in the 19th century, and already in 1888 it received official city status from Queen Victoria.

All kinds of institutions were built: hospitals, a university, churches, etc. In 1823, gas lighting appeared in the city, and in 1839, the first railway connection. There was also a boom in shipbuilding and port operations. By the end of the 19th century, whiskey and tobacco production played an important role in the city.

• City airport.
  

Belfast has been the capital of Northern Ireland since its founding in 1921.

Read also: Travel, where you can learn that Belfast has been at the forefront of public attention for many years due to constant strife between Catholics and Protestants.

Since then he has become center in the conflict between Catholics and Protestants, which peaked between 1960 and 1990. The conflict officially ended in 1998 with the conclusion of the so-called Belfast Agreement. During World War II, the city was subjected to very heavy bombing by German aircraft.

One such raid in 1941 cost the lives of about 1,000 people and left tens of thousands homeless. Now Belfast is a well-developed city, attracting more and more tourists. Belfast, as the capital of Northern Ireland, has Northern Ireland Assembly- the elected legislature of Northern Ireland, which has the power to make a wide range of laws that do not interfere with the laws of the UK Parliament, as well as appoint the executive branch. The seat of the Assembly is the Houses of Parliament - Stormont in Belfast.

Many liners were built in Belfast, the most famous of which is "Titanic", built at the shipyard of the Harland and Wolfe company, where the Titanic's older brother, the Olympic, and the Titanic's younger brother, the Britannic, were also built. On 1 April 2012, Titanic Belfast, a museum and monument to the city's maritime heritage, was opened on the site of the former Harland & Wolf shipyard in the Titanic Quarter.

Belfast attractions:

Let's take a closer look at the iconic places of the capital of Northern Ireland.

The town hall building was built in the classical Renaissance style at the beginning of the 19th century. Its facades are decorated with columns and “Roman” porticoes, with symmetrical towers along the edges. The central copper dome complements the architectural appearance of the grandiose structure. The façade and lobbies of the building are decorated with marble. The stained glass windows along the staircase depict some of the most significant events in Irish history.

A neoclassical building of austere architecture, built in 1932 for the Parliament of Northern Ireland. It is distinguished by its simplicity of form, laconic façade and lack of elaborate decorative details. The legislature was dissolved in the 60s, and since then the British administration has been sitting at Stormont. At the moment, free access to the territory of the former parliament building is not possible.

An elegant castle in the “Norman” style, built at the end of the 19th century. In the 12th century, there was indeed an ancient castle in this place, but it turned into ruins. Even before the period of the Anglo-Norman conquests, there were settlements of ancient Celts on the site of Belfast Castle. The modern building is surrounded by a Cat Garden, which contains several sculptures of these amazing animals.

The prison operated in the period 1845-1996. Prisoners sentenced to death were kept here. After closing, the prison began to operate as a museum. It is believed that the territory of Crumlin Road is haunted, and sometimes they are even searched for using special equipment. During the tour, visitors are shown dark corridors, creepy solitary confinement and a room for carrying out a death sentence.

The market is considered one of the best in the UK. It began its work at the end of the 19th century and since then has gained fame as a place where you can buy the best quality products. The market offers a huge range of locally produced goods; on Saturdays you can buy souvenirs and delicacies from different parts of the world. On Sunday, the market space turns into an exhibition of paintings and crafts by local artisans.

A public educational institution founded in the 19th century. The main building of the University is located in the picturesque Lanyon Building (the architect of the building) on ​​University Road. The building is built of red brick in a mixed style. On the facade you can see elements of Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic. Wide stained glass windows, more typical for Catholic churches than for civil buildings, look especially elegant.

The infamous transatlantic liner Titanic was built in the Belfast shipyards. Nowadays the modern building of the Titanic Belfast Museum-Monument is located on this site. The structure was completed by 2012, just in time for the 100th anniversary of the shipwreck. The museum exhibition is dedicated to the history of shipbuilding in Belfast, as well as all aspects related to the creation, voyage and death of the Titanic.

Nomadik is a 1911 ship that carried first and second class passengers aboard the Titanic. Until 2006, it was used in Paris as a floating restaurant, but was then bought back to Belfast. Caroline is a 1914 cruise ship that was used as an administrative center for the British Royal Navy during the First and Second World Wars. Now both ships are open to visitors and operate as museums.

The largest museum in Northern Ireland, covering an area of ​​8 thousand m². It was founded by the city's Natural History Society in the 19th century. The Ulster Museum exhibits a natural science collection that tells the story of the biological, ethnographic and archaeological development of the territory in which Ireland is located. The museum also has many pieces of applied art.

The history of the library began in the 18th century. Since then, the book collection has changed its location several times until it settled in a house on the embankment. The library's collection is the largest in Ireland, containing many rare publications and rare items. In the last few years, the building has been reconstructed and the library collections have been significantly replenished.

Multifunctional center opened in 1997. Its main hall is designed for 2250 people, the small hall – for 380. Theatrical performances, musicals, operas, concerts, and holiday shows are often held on the territory of the Waterfront Hall. The venues are also used to hold music talent search competitions. The building has several bars and a restaurant where visitors can go between performances.

The opera building was built by F. Mitchum at the beginning of the 20th century. The architect was fond of oriental styles in construction, so the opera building turned out to be very unusual and stands out from the general background. In the period 1949-1970, the city cinema was located here. The opera stage reopened after reconstruction in 1980. In 2006, another reconstruction was carried out, as a result of which a small hall appeared and the capacity of the theater increased.

The modern theater building was erected according to the design of famous masters D. Toomey and S. O'Donnell. The architectural style of the building is a mixture of postmodern and futuristic elements. A new building was built on the site of the old theater in 2011. In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II visited the institution to shake hands with a former commander of the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

The temple of the 19th-20th centuries, built with reference to the medieval Romanesque style. Construction lasted more than 80 years; the cathedral was opened only in 1981. The building's floor is covered with black and white marble, the nave pillars are decorated with carvings depicting Belfast's past, and the cathedral's baptistery is lined with elaborate colored glass mosaics, which craftsmen worked on for seven years.

A picturesque natural park located on the slopes of Cave Hill. Some of its territories are protected areas, so the passage of tourists is limited. In the public part of the park there are many hiking trails, quite suitable for long walks and enjoying the beauty of nature. From the top of Cave Hill you can admire the Belfast skyline. Entrance to the territory of the Country Park is free.

The sculpture is a symbol of Belfast, created by master D. Kindness in 1999. In his unusual creation, the sculptor wanted to capture the history of the city. The body of the 10-meter fish is covered with ceramic tiles, on which are written brief historical notes about various events. It is believed that a message to future generations is kept inside the structure. The Big Fish is one of Belfast's most popular attractions.

The clock dial is located on the Albert Tower, built by order of Queen Victoria in the second half of the 19th century. The building is a memorial dedicated to Her Majesty's husband, Prince Albert. The design of the tower clock dial is exactly reminiscent of London's Big Ben. Due to the unstable foundation, the tower tilted slightly to the side over time, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The history of the confrontation between the British and the Irish began several centuries ago. More than once disagreements resulted in local wars and conflicts. In the 20th century, real wars were fought on the streets of Belfast, Derry and some other cities, so in the 70s. the authorities were forced to build a wall to separate the Irish quarters from the Scottish and English ones. The wall is decorated with numerous graffiti depicting scenes of the Irish struggle for independence.

The garden is located in the south of Belfast, it was founded in the 30s. XIX century as a result of increased public interest in botany. At first, exclusively exotic plants were planted there, but gradually species from other climatic zones appeared. Nowadays, the garden is a popular venue for festivals, concerts and other public events. Students like to relax here, since the university is located nearby.

The temple is one of the most revered in Northern Ireland. It is one of the three main churches in the region. The building was erected in 1866. The original pulpit, altar and window frames were made of Irish oak, but over time the weathered wood was replaced with marble and other more durable materials. The church facade is built of red brick. As it turned out later, the brick turned out to be not a very durable material, so the walls are gradually collapsing.

Street art, as a visiting card of the city.

City on the brink

If someone tried to find out the title of the most paradoxical city in Europe, the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, would definitely be on the list of nominees, and for reasons that are not easy to name right away. Belfast needs to be experienced. Everything here seems to be on the verge of opposites. I stayed here for three days. I walked along its streets, crowded around the flea market, drank beer in Irish pubs, talked with local immigrants, and ran to the store for Irish whiskey.

City of war, walls, ghetto and graffiti

It is probably difficult to find another settlement where such a huge number of contradictions would be united. At least in Europe. The conflict, which lasted more than thirty years until 1998, featured many examples of heroism on both sides and absolutely shameful stories, such as the shooting of peaceful demonstrations, massacres of civilians and explosions in residential areas.

The main feature of the city center is Donegall Square,

surrounded by impressive Victorian monuments. Donegall Square is home to the town hall, a true example of mixed architectural styles. It is also home to the Linen Hall Library, which houses major treasures of Irish literature.

High Saint area in north Belfast, known as the Entrance, is the oldest part of it. It was virtually destroyed by bombing during the Second World War and now only a handful of pubs remain, reflecting the spirit of the past.

Building Grand Opera is also a Belfast landmark. It was bombed several times, but was restored and now sparkles with wealth. The history and culture of the city is presented in the Ulster Museum next to Queen's University.

In the suburbs of the capital is located zoo, Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast Castle, which theoretically dates back to the 12th century but the current structure was built in 1870, and Stormont - the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Story

Royal Avenue Belfast

The area of ​​modern Belfast has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. In the area, on the hills, you can still see the remains of the Giant's Ring (5000 year old Henge), and hill forts preserved from the Iron Age.

In 1177, the Englishman John de Courcy John de Courcy) built a castle on this site, but the actual appearance of the city is considered to be 1609, when King James began the settlement of Ulster (eng. Plantation of Ulster ) by English and Scottish settlers. Sir Arthur Chichester Sir Arthur Chichester) took possession of land in Ulster, including Belfast Castle, which he rebuilt in 1611. A small town arose around this castle.

At the beginning of the 17th century, the population of Belfast was approximately 1,000 people. Wool, leather, grains, butter and corned beef were all exported to England, Scotland and France. Belfast later began active trade with the colonies in North America and India. At the end of the 17th century, the population increased to 1500-2000 people due to the French Huguenots, who were engaged in linen production, fleeing persecution.

In the 18th century the population grew very quickly. By 1800 there were already about 20,000 people. The first ones were founded: a newspaper in 1737, a bank in 1752 and a theater in 1768. The production and export of flax also increased sharply.

Belfast continued its rapid growth into the 19th century. And already in 1888 from Queen Victoria (eng. Queen Victoria) received official city status. All kinds of institutions were built: hospitals, a university, churches, etc. In 1823, gas lighting appeared in the city, and in 1839, the first railway connection. There was also a boom in shipbuilding and port operations. By the end of the 19th century, whiskey and tobacco production played an important role in the city.

Belfast has been the capital of Northern Ireland since its founding in 1921. Since then, it has become a center in the conflict between Catholics and Protestants, which peaked between 1960 and 1990. And which officially ended in 1998 with the conclusion of the so-called Belfast Agreement. Belfast Agreement).

During World War II, the city was subject to very heavy German air raids. One such raid in 1941 cost the lives of about 1,000 people and left tens of thousands homeless.

Now Belfast is a well-developed city, attracting more and more tourists.

Politics and administrative division

Local government

The city of Belfast has a mayoral form of local government. The officials are the Lord Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and the High Sheriff, who are elected from among the members of Belfast City Council. Belfast City Council), which in turn consists of 51 councilors representing the city's 9 constituencies ( Oldpark, Castle, Victoria, Pottinger, Laganbank, Balmoral, Upper Falls, Lower Falls And Court), and is divided into departments and committees overseeing different areas.

In the 2005 elections, council seats were divided as follows:

• 15 - Democratic Unionist Party Democratic Unionist Party)
• 14 - Sinn Fein Sinn Fein)
• 8 - Social Democratic and Labor Party (eng. Social Democratic and Labor Party (SDLP) )
• 7 - Ulster Unionist Party Ulster Unionist Party)
• 4 - Alliance Party Alliance Party)
• 2 - Progressive Unionist Party Progressive Unionist Party)
• 1 - Independent candidate

Northern Ireland Assembly and UK Parliament

Belfast, as the capital of Northern Ireland, is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly - the elected legislative branch of Northern Ireland, which has the power to make a wide range of laws that do not interfere with the laws of the UK Parliament, as well as to appoint the executive branch. The seat of the Assembly is the Houses of Parliament - Stormont. Stormont) in Belfast.

Physiographic characteristics

Belfast is located on the east coast of Ireland. Coordinates 54.596944 , -5.929167 54°35′49″ n. w. 5°55′45″ W d. /  54.596944° s. w. 5.929167° W d.(G) (O). It lies at the western end of Belfast Lough at the mouth of the River Lagan. River Lagan) and is protected from the north-west by a chain of hills. All this is ideal for the shipbuilding industry that once made the city famous.

The city of Belfast is the main city in Northern Ireland, and in fact it is its capital, because the parliament building is located here. The city is located on the Irish Sea, near the mouth of the Lagan River.

It is no coincidence that the main port of Northern Ireland is located here, because the city’s location is excellent for these purposes. Belfast is the second most populous city on the island of Ireland after Dublin.

In most people's minds, Belfast is associated with the infamous Titanic, which was launched by local shipbuilder Harland and Wolff in 1911.

Brief history

There was a settlement on the territory of modern Belfast back in the Bronze Age. To this day, in the vicinity of the city, fortifications and other evidence of ancient people living here have been preserved.

In fact, Belfast appeared in 1609, when the settlement of Ulster by Scottish and English settlers began.

However, the castle on the site of Belfast was built by John de Courcy back in 1177. It was this castle, along with the surrounding land, that was given into the possession of Sir Arthur Chichester, who rebuilt the castle in 1611, and later a small town arose around the castle.

The early 17th century in Belfast, when the local population was just 1,000, was characterized economically by the export of wool, grain, leather, butter and corned beef to Scotland, England and France.

Later trade began with India and the colonies in North America. By the end of the 17th century, the population increased to 1,500-2,000 people due to people fleeing to Northern Ireland from the French Huguenots.

The rapid growth of the population in Belfast dates back to the 18th century: by 1800 it was already 20 thousand people. At this time, the city subsisted on the production and sale of flax..

At the same time, the first newspaper (1737), the first bank (1752), and the first theater (1768) were founded.

In the 19th century, Belfast continued to develop rapidly: hospitals, churches, a university, railway lines, etc. appeared.

In 1888, Queen Victoria approved the official city status of Belfast. An economic boom was observed in the shipbuilding sector, and the production of tobacco and whiskey also appeared.

When Northern Ireland was founded in 1921, Belfast became its capital. When conflicts broke out between Catholics and Protestants (60-90s of the XX century), it was the capital of Northern Ireland that became the center of controversy. The armed clashes officially ended only in 1998, when the Belfast Agreement was signed.

During the Second World War, Belfast was bombed by German aircraft, which killed thousands of people and left many residents homeless.

The 20th century for Belfast was a time of development of the oil refining and electrical industries, as well as the development of instrument making.

Attractions

Now Belfast is a small developing city with a population of just under 600 thousand people. Since the capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast, it is here that its parliament and assembly are located.

Tourists are attracted by the numerous attractions of Belfast, which glorify the city far beyond the borders of Ireland.

The main attraction in Belfast is the central Donegall Square, which is surrounded by magnificent works of architecture - numerous monuments of the Victorian era.

The city hall is also located here, representing a mixture of architectural styles.

Linen Hall Library, located in the square, is home to many of Ireland's literary treasures.

The oldest part of the city is considered to be the High Saint area, which was destroyed during bombing, but some historical sites fully convey the spirit of the past.

One of the historical and cultural attractions is the Grand Opera, built back in 1895. The building was extensively damaged during the Second World War, but now it is again presented in all its splendor.

Worth visiting by tourists is the Ulster Museum, which is one of the most important collections in Northern Ireland. Historical artifacts, archaeological finds, unique works of art and documents are presented here.

The museum is located next to Queen's University– another important architectural landmark. The university has existed since 1849 and is now not only a place of study for students, but also an interesting object for tourists: there is an exhibition center and a souvenir shop.

Belfast became notorious because of the Titanic, which is also associated with several local attractions. One of them is the Titanic Belfast Museum, where excursions are held on the history of the ship itself and the city. The museum is located on the site of the former Harland and Wolff shipyard.

Titanic Belfast Museum

A popular object among townspeople and tourists is the figure of the “Big Fish”. The sculpture is about 10 meters long. This piece of contemporary art reflects historical and even mythical information about the city.

According to legend, it was in the capital of Northern Ireland that salmon was caught, which was not actually found in the local river. The sculpture contains a time capsule with information about the city.

Figure "Big fish"

The historical symbol of the city is Belfast Castle. The last reconstruction of it, created in the 12th century, took place in the 19th century. Legends and interesting stories are associated with the beautiful castle.

One of them is the story about the guardian of the fortress - a white cat. That is why there are several sculptures of white cats around the castle.

Notable is the local parliament building - Stormont, next to which there is an interesting castle of the same name.

Another architectural landmark is Clifton House, which is now a nursing home.

Another famous building in Belfast is the Albert Memorial Tower, named after Queen Victoria's husband. The clock, which is located at the top of the tower, is a copy of the clock on the famous Big Ben.

An interesting feature of the Albert Tower is its slight tilt, reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This is simply some mistake by the tower designers who did not take into account the characteristics of the swampy area.

Among the religious landmarks, the Cathedral of St. Anne and the Parish Church of St. Malachy are notable.

Among the natural attractions, tourists highlight Cave Hill in the northern part of Belfast, which offers excellent views of the city.

The local zoo is one of the best in the UK and Ireland. Also interesting is the Botanical Garden, located near Queen's University.

No idea of ​​Belfast would be complete without visiting the many golf clubs, local pubs, souvenir shops and parks.

In the northeast of Northern Ireland there is a unique natural phenomenon called the Giant's Causeway. This is a coastal area consisting of many hexagonal columns tightly packed together.

The name comes from a very interesting Irish legend, according to which one Irish giant, Finn, wanted to measure his strength with his rival from Scotland. Then, in order to reach it without drowning in the sea, he built a series of columns leading to Scotland. But when the Irishman fell asleep, his rival visited him across the same bridge. Finn's wife cheated by saying that her sleeping husband was her son. Fearing what his father would turn out to be like, the Scotsman ran home in horror, breaking the bridge built by his opponent behind him.

In fact, basalt columns are the result of volcanic activity that occurred 50-60 million years ago. It is very difficult to believe that all this is the result of natural actions, because the columns turned out to be surprisingly neat, shaped like a regular hexagon.

The area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament, also known as Stormont, is located in the borough of Belfast and is the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly as well as the Northern Ireland Executive.

The need for a separate parliament building arose with the creation of Northern Ireland's municipal authorities in 1920. At first, a large domed building was planned for Parliament, but the architect Sir Arnold Thornley rejected this proposal, presenting his own design for a building in the classical Greek style without a dome, which was realized on November 16, 1932.

The central part of the building's façade is decorated with spectacular Ionic columns, and a statue of Sir Edward Carson, the famous Irish lawyer and politician, was erected near the building in 1932.

On December 3, 2005, the funeral ceremony of former Northern Ireland and Manchester United football player George Best was held in the Great Hall of Parliament - only this hall could accommodate all the people who wished to say goodbye to the football legend.

The Houses of Parliament, located on a hill, offer wonderful views of Belfast.

What sights of Belfast did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle is located in Cavehill Country Park in Northern Ireland, at an altitude of 120 meters above sea level. This location allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the city.

Belfast Castle, originally built in the late 12th century, was located within the city and was home to Sir Arthur Chichester, a prominent politician and Baron of Belfast. In 1708, the castle completely burned down, and, instead of rebuilding on its original site, the Chichester dynasty decided to build their new residence outside the city, inspired by the local beauty. Construction of the new castle began only in 1811 and took more than half a century.

In 1978, Belfast City Council decided to overhaul the castle building, investing over two million pounds into the project. Ten years later, Belfast Castle was officially reopened to the public. It is now a popular venue for conferences, wedding ceremonies and tourist excursions. You can also visit the luxurious restaurant and antique shop, which are also located in the Belfast Castle building.

Visitors enter the town hall through an impressive stone gate and marble lobby. Next comes the main staircase, for the decoration of which four types of marble were used - three from Italy and one from Greece. Large stained glass windows along the staircase depict the city's most significant events, from the signing of the charter by King James I in 1613 to the granting of Belfast county seat status in 1899. On the ground floor there is a bronze statue of the last Earl of Belfast, Frederick Richard Chichester. Known for his work promoting the arts in Belfast, he is shown holding a book in his left hand.

The main dome rises to a height of about 53 meters. Below it is the so-called Whispering Gallery, similar to the one in St. Paul's Cathedral in London. It got its name because of the architectural features that allow you to hear everything said in a whisper against the opposite wall. Above the gallery is a ring of stained glass windows depicting the signs of the zodiac.

The City Council meeting room is located in the Town Hall building. The 51-member council meets here on the first working day of every month. The council chamber contains many portraits of famous public and political figures such as King Edward VII, the Earl of Shaftesbury and Sir Edward Harland.

St. Anne's Cathedral

St Anne's Cathedral is located in the center of Belfast, close to the Town Hall. It was opened at the end of the 19th century, on the site of an old church, but currently it is a majestic building in the Irish-Romanesque style. Its hallmark is its unique mosaic stained glass windows.

The first architect was Sir Thomas Drew, and the cathedral itself was built on the site of a church that already existed there. Construction was completed in 1904 and only the windows remained unchanged from the original structure. During the Second World War, the cathedral was very badly damaged by bombing. Reconstruction was slow and difficult due to constant problems with financing, however, thanks in no small part to donations, it was restored to its original grandeur.

Today, St. Anne's Cathedral remains the center of Irish Protestantism, with representatives of the Connor and Down-and-Dromore diasporas holding services there. Tourists often come here also to hear the sounds of the magnificent organ. Worship services are held every day. Another attraction of the cathedral is the tomb of Lord Carson, a famous representative of the Irish opposition.

Queen's University Belfast

At the time of its opening in 1849, the university was known as King's College Belfast. The design of the structure, designed by the architect Sir Charles Lanyon, who worked on many of Belfast's public buildings in the mid-19th century, has remained largely unchanged since then, and is heavily influenced by English architecture, which is not surprising given Sir Charles's background.

Queens is one of the largest employers in Northern Ireland, employing 3,903 people, of whom 2,414 are academic staff and 1,489 are administrative staff. In 2006, the university received £259 million in investment for infrastructure development, recruitment and research. One of the results of this investment was the new University Library, opened in July 2009.

Queen's includes the Institute of Theology, which consists of several colleges. Situated close to the main campus, the Institute of Professional Legal Studies is considered one of the best in terms of training not only in Northern Ireland, but throughout the UK.

Opera in Belfast

The Belfast Opera House was built by architect Frank Mitchum, who was passionate about the east and wanted to create something that stood out from its surroundings. This is how the Grand House Opera Theater appeared, which is one of the best examples of oriental architecture in Europe.

Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the building was severely damaged several times. However, even during the Second World War, the theater continued its work. Later, a cinema was equipped here, which operated from 1949 to 1972. The theater became very dilapidated and required major renovations before it opened its doors again in 1980.

In 2006, significant renovation work was carried out, as a result of which the theater space expanded significantly, a new small stage (The Baby Grand) appeared, the foyer was rebuilt, the stage space in the main auditorium was increased, and the hall itself can now accommodate 1063 people, with easier access to rooms for people with disabilities. There is a restaurant on the third floor of the theater, and a bistro and snack bar on the first floor. There is also the possibility of holding business meetings and corporate events here. Currently, small musicals, dramatic and comedy performances are staged on the theater's stages, and various educational events are held.

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Cathedral of St. Anna

The spiritual center of Irish Protestants is located in Belfast - this is where the Cathedral of St. Anna, belonging to two Protestant diasporas: "Connor" and "Down-and-Dromore".

The cathedral was opened in 1898. The structure is made of light stone in the Romanesque style, which distinguishes it from most Gothic Irish churches. The mosaic stained glass windows of the cathedral make a special impression.

The famous Irish politician and opposition leader Lord Carson, who died in 1935, rests in the temple.

The most popular attractions in Belfast with descriptions and photographs to suit every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Belfast on our website.

More Belfast attractions

: 54°35′48″ n. w. 5°56′18″ W d. /  54.59667° N. w. 5.93833° W d. / 54.59667; -5.93833(G) (I)

(English)