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Quiz about Belfasts Historical Landmarks
Quiz about Belfasts Historical Landmarks

Belfast's Historical Landmarks Quiz


I've lived in Belfast for over 20 years and see these buildings a lot. I thought it about time I learned the history behind them. Thanks to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board for the specific historical information they have provided to me.

A multiple-choice quiz by chemical-mix. Estimated time: 6 mins.
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Author
chemical-mix
Time
6 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
169,661
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Tough
Avg Score
6 / 10
Plays
409
- -
Question 1 of 10
1. We will start with Belfast Castle - one of the most well known and popular buildings in Belfast. There have in fact been three different "Belfast Castles", but in what year was the building at the Cave Hill site finished? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. The Crown Bar, opposite the Europa Hotel in the city centre is possibly the most famous and beautiful pub in Belfast. It was not always a bar, however. What was the original use of this building? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. Queen Victoria visited Belfast in 1849 and was greeted warmly by the masses. Many street names were then named after her. At that time however, Belfast was a mere town. In what year did Victoria grant Belfast the honour of city status? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. Queen's University, about half a mile from the city centre, is a stunning red-brick building with an internal courtyard. It was built in 1849, Who is responsible for its design? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. Possibly the most obvious historical building to anyone visiting Belfast's hub is the grand City Hall. Located in the centre of the city it is a domineering piece of architecture. Who designed it? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. Unquestionably, the most iconic structures in the city are the massive Harland and Wolff cranes in the east of Belfast. Do you know what they are affectionately nick-named? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. The Linenhall Library, located very close to the City Hall has been opened since 1788, and is Belfast's oldest library. It also has a large and very famous collection of work by a famous writer. Who? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. The Europa Hotel now adjoins a bus and train station. It has been extensively refurbished and is now a shining example of the ongoing modernity of 21st century Belfast. It also has a dark side to it. Which of the following statements is true? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. St. Anne's Cathedral is built on the site of the original St. Anne's Church (which existed from 1776 to 1903, when it was demolished). What is special about the building material used to construct the Cathedral? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. Finally, the Belfast coat-of-arms has the motto "Pro tanto quid retribuamus". What does this freely translate as? Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. We will start with Belfast Castle - one of the most well known and popular buildings in Belfast. There have in fact been three different "Belfast Castles", but in what year was the building at the Cave Hill site finished?

Answer: 1870

It was designed by Charles Lanyon in a deer reserve, and was the residence of the 3rd Marquis of Donegall. The first "Belfast Castle" was built by the Normans in the late 12th Century. The second was the home of Sir Arthur Chichester and was built in 1611, only to burn down in 1708.
2. The Crown Bar, opposite the Europa Hotel in the city centre is possibly the most famous and beautiful pub in Belfast. It was not always a bar, however. What was the original use of this building?

Answer: A Railway Hotel

A worthwhile place to visit for a quick drink before hopping on the more modern railway at Europa Train Station. It dates back to 1826 when the first train ran from Belfast to Lisburn. It has since been taken over by The National Trust and restored, therefore ensuring that people will be drinking at it for many years to come.
3. Queen Victoria visited Belfast in 1849 and was greeted warmly by the masses. Many street names were then named after her. At that time however, Belfast was a mere town. In what year did Victoria grant Belfast the honour of city status?

Answer: 1888

It wasn't only street names that were named after Victoria. A hospital, a university, a park and a man-made island (to name but a few) were also named in her honour. Belfast quickly grew to a population of 300,000 due to the effects of the Industrial Revolution.
4. Queen's University, about half a mile from the city centre, is a stunning red-brick building with an internal courtyard. It was built in 1849, Who is responsible for its design?

Answer: Charles Lanyon

Charles Lanyon has designed many of the most beautiful buildings in Belfast. Queen's University also has fine mock Tudor cloisters, as well as a reputation for being one of the most respected universities in the world.
5. Possibly the most obvious historical building to anyone visiting Belfast's hub is the grand City Hall. Located in the centre of the city it is a domineering piece of architecture. Who designed it?

Answer: Brumwell Thomas

The Belfast City Hall took six years to build (1898-1906) and if you have ever seen it you would realise why. This stunning white structure takes up one and a half acres of the city and is covered in statues and ornamental designs. Inside is decorated with fine Roman marble and has a grand sweeping staircase. Brumwell Thomas also designed the war memorial cenotaph in Belfast and is famous for his works of art and sculpture.
6. Unquestionably, the most iconic structures in the city are the massive Harland and Wolff cranes in the east of Belfast. Do you know what they are affectionately nick-named?

Answer: Samson and Goliath

It is often erroneously stated that the cranes were used in the construction of the "Titanic", but in fact they are of much more recent vintage, dating from 1969 (Goliath) and 1974 (Samson). Nevertheless, they have become a landmark symbol of the city, and a poignant symbol of Belfast's shipbuilding heritage.

Although there was once talk of removing them, there was such an uproar about it that they were classified as buildings of 'architectural or historic interest' and are hopefully now safe for ever.
7. The Linenhall Library, located very close to the City Hall has been opened since 1788, and is Belfast's oldest library. It also has a large and very famous collection of work by a famous writer. Who?

Answer: Robert Burns

Along with the Robert Burns collection, there are also over 20,000 archives items relating to Irish politics and culture. These can be viewed and read if you make an appointment. If the work make you thirsty, there is even a coffee house, and during the summer you can join a guided tour.
8. The Europa Hotel now adjoins a bus and train station. It has been extensively refurbished and is now a shining example of the ongoing modernity of 21st century Belfast. It also has a dark side to it. Which of the following statements is true?

Answer: It is the most bombed hotel in Europe

During the troubles it was the stage for many bomb attacks by Republican forces, as foreign dignitaries used it as stop-off when in Northern Ireland. Since its refurbishment it now has ballrooms, bars, restaurants, fitness suites, saunas and a four-star rating.
9. St. Anne's Cathedral is built on the site of the original St. Anne's Church (which existed from 1776 to 1903, when it was demolished). What is special about the building material used to construct the Cathedral?

Answer: It includes stone gathered from all 32 counties of Ireland

I am unsure if it was a gesture of Irish unity at the time or a simple coincidence!
Belfast is built upon an underground river called the Farset, so when the Cathedral was constructed great care had to be taken when laying the foundations. The water table in the Cathedral area is still high and the foundations are closely monitored for any sign of movement.
10. Finally, the Belfast coat-of-arms has the motto "Pro tanto quid retribuamus". What does this freely translate as?

Answer: "What return shall we make for so much?"

Perhaps not a direct question about Belfast landmarks, but the motto is very poignant given the history of the city; and the coat-of-arms can be found on many buildings in Belfast. Some are carved in stone, others in brilliant metals. One of the best examples is on the front of City Hall. There is also an elaborately decorated version in the Ulster Museum.
Source: Author chemical-mix

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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