Spire of Hope, Steel sculpture at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast, United Kingdom
The Spire of Hope is a steel sculpture rising from the roof of St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast that extends 72 meters into the sky. This slender, modern structure projects above the cathedral's classical architecture and is visible from many parts of the city.
The structure was installed in 2007 and marked a modern turning point in the cathedral's design and the urban development of the Cathedral Quarter. This contemporary addition followed decades of planning and discussions about the building's future.
The spire has become a visual marker of the city, representing a turning point for many people in Belfast after challenging years. When you enter the cathedral, you see how the structure links the interior space with what lies beyond, symbolizing an opening upward.
You can view the base of the structure from inside through a glass platform above the choir area when the cathedral is open. It works best to visit during daylight hours when light from the windows reveals the interior details more clearly.
The structure pierces through the cathedral roof, creating an unusual architectural connection that directly links the interior and exterior spaces. This design allows visitors to experience the transition between sky and indoor space in a way that is unconventional for religious buildings.
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