Peace Wall, Barrier walls in West Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The Peace Walls are concrete, steel, and iron barriers stretching through residential neighborhoods in West Belfast, reaching heights of around 8 meters (26 feet) in places. These structures divide different areas and shape the landscape of this part of the city.
The British Army built the first wall in 1969 during The Troubles to separate Catholic and Protestant communities after fierce street violence. Over the following decades, more barriers were added and expanded.
The walls are covered with murals and messages left by visitors, showing both the divisions and the hope for reconciliation. These visual expressions tell stories of how people wish to bridge their differences.
The walls are accessible during daylight hours, and guided tours are the best way to understand their history and significance. It helps to find out beforehand which sections are open to visitors and where tours begin.
Many of the walls have been covered with vibrant artwork over the years, created by local artists and visitors. This artistic transformation shows how places of division can become spaces for hope and creative expression.
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