St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast
St Anne's, usually called Belfast Cathedral, stands on Donegall Street at the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. Its foundation stone was laid in 1899 and the nave consecrated in 1904, but the Romanesque building took about 80 years to complete. The stainless steel Spire of Hope was added in 2007.
Photos
Barry Adair
A cathedral built over generations
The project began in 1895, with plans by Thomas Drew and later work by WH Lynn, both Belfast architects. The style is Romanesque and the layout basilican, giving a broad, light interior. Because sections were finished over several decades, you can trace changing tastes as you move through the building. Take time to walk the full length of the nave before looking at the details, as the scale is a large part of the effect.
What to see
At the west end, large mosaics show the Creation, St Patrick's return to Ireland and Isaiah's vision in the Temple. The cathedral is also the resting place of Lord Carson. Outside, look up for the Spire of Hope, a slender stainless steel needle lowered into place in 2007 that rises from the roof rather than a tower.
Visiting
Visits can be booked through the cathedral's online booking system, and as a working cathedral, services take priority. It sits in the Cathedral Quarter, so it combines well with the MAC arts centre a few steps away and the area's cafes and pubs, including the Dark Horse and the Harp Bar on nearby Hill Street.
Highlights
- Foundation stone laid in 1899; nave consecrated 1904
- Romanesque basilica designed by Thomas Drew and WH Lynn
- Stainless steel Spire of Hope, added 2007
- West-end mosaics of the Creation and St Patrick
- Tomb of Lord Carson
Good to know
- Visits can be booked online via the cathedral website
- A working cathedral - services take priority over sightseeing
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: belfastcathedral.org