Belfast City Hall

Belfast, United Kingdom

The site now occupied by Belfast City Hall was once the home of the White Linen Hall, an important international Linen Exchange. Plans for the City Hall began in 1888 when Belfast was awarded city status by Queen Victoria. This was in recognition of Belfast's rapid expansion and thriving linen, rope-making, shipbuilding and engineering industries.

Construction began in 1898 under the supervision of architect Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas and was completed in 1906. Belfast Corporation, now the council, its their profits from the gas industry to pay for the construction of the Belfast City Hall.

The exterior is built mainly from Portland stone and is in the Baroque Revival style. It covers an area of one and a half acres and has an enclosed courtyard. Featuring towers at each of the four corners, with a lantern-crowned 53 m copper dome in the centre, the City Hall dominates the city centre skyline. As with other Victorian buildings in the city centre, the City Hall's copper-coated domes are a distinctive green.

The Titanic Memorial in Belfast is located on the grounds of Belfast City Hall.

References:

Comments

Your name



Address

A1, Belfast, United Kingdom
See all sites in Belfast

Details

Founded: 1898
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in United Kingdom

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Jeremiah Alley (5 months ago)
This was definitely an interest site in Belfast. It's worth going there to hang out for a while, maybe sit around and take some pictures of the building and some of the sculptures. There are some other buildings worthy of some photographs on the city blocks surrounding City Hall. I'd say it's a must-see while in Belfast.
Anand (5 months ago)
Very beautiful and expansive structure in heart of the city. Give you a good opportunity to walk around in the center city. The building is nice but not much to see at the site itself others than some statues . However the art work on the city hall itself will remind you of the Parthenon Greek structure in Athens with triangles on the top and art work that depicts a story standing on Greek like ionic columns. Work is very intricate. Worth a visit with some picture opportunity. You can also walk up the Main Street and visit other sites in Belfast
Apekshit Sharma (6 months ago)
Belfast City Hall is a stunning example of Baroque Revival architecture, symbolizing the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Its majestic exterior, adorned with intricate sculptures and lush gardens, invites visitors to explore its grandeur. Inside, the marble hallways and ornate staircases lead to exhibits detailing Belfast's past. The highlight is the opulent Council Chamber, showcasing the city's civic pride. Free guided tours provide insightful narratives, making history come alive. The surrounding grounds offer a serene spot for relaxation. Belfast City Hall is a must-visit landmark, blending historical significance with architectural beauty in the heart of the city.
Oleksandr Kaliberda (6 months ago)
Visiting Belfast City Hall in May 2024 was an unforgettable experience. The building's magnificent architecture and beautiful interiors are truly impressive. The tour was very informative, with the guide sharing many fascinating details about the history and significance of the City Hall. The Memorial Hall was particularly striking. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the history and culture of this remarkable city.
Georgina Okakoso (6 months ago)
This is definitely the first spot once you get into Belfast to help you know more about the city its history and past and current leaders. It was also a self guided tour very well planned and easy to follow. So many amazing things to see.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château du Lude

The Château du Lude is one of the many great châteaux of the Loire Valley in France. Le Lude is the most northerly château of the Loire Valley and one of the last important historic castles in France, still inhabited by the same family for the last 260 years. The château is testimony to four centuries of French architecture, as a stronghold transformed into an elegant house during the Renaissance and the 18th century. The monument is located in the valley of Le Loir. Its gardens have evolved throughout the centuries.