Historic Building sights in Belfast
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City Hall
The Industrial Revolution transformed Belfast in the 19th century, and its rapid rise to muck-and-brass prosperity is manifested in the extravagance of City Hall. Built in classical Renaissance style in fine, white Portland stone, it was completed in 1906 and paid for from the profits of the gas supply company.
The hall is fronted by a statue of a rather dour 'we are not amused' Queen Victoria. The bronze figures on either side of her symbolise the textile and shipbuilding industries, while the child at the back represents education. At the northeastern corner of the grounds is a statue of Sir Edward Harland, the Yorkshire-born marine engineer who founded the Harland & Wol…
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Harbour Commissioner's Office
Near the ferry terminal on Donegall Quay is the Italianate Harbour Commissioner's Office (1854). The striking marble and stained-glass interior features art and sculpture inspired by Belfast's maritime history. The captain's table that was built for the Titanic survives here – completed behind schedule, it never made it on board. Guided tours of the office are available during the Belfast Maritime Festival in early June. It's also open on European Heritage Open Days, which take place over a weekend in September or October (see the Events section on www.doeni.gov.uk).
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Grand Opera House
One of Belfast's great Victorian landmarks is the Grand Opera House. Opened in 1895, and completely refurbished in the 1970s, it suffered grievously at the hands of the IRA, having sustained severe bomb damage in 1991 and 1993. It was said that as the Europa Hotel next door was home to the media during the Troubles, the IRA brought the bombs to them so they wouldn't have to leave the bar.
The interior has been restored to its original, over-the-top Victorian pomp, with swirling wood and plasterwork, fancy gilt-work in abundance and carved elephant heads framing the private boxes in the auditorium.
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Malone House
Malone House is a late-Georgian mansion in the grounds of Barnett Demesne. Built in the 1820s for local merchant William Legge, the house is now used mainly for social functions and conferences, with art exhibitions staged in the Higgin Gallery. The surrounding gardens are planted with azaleas and rhododendrons, with paths leading down to the Lagan Towpath.
The house is about 5km south of the centre; take bus 8A or 8B to Dub Lane, Upper Malone Rd.
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