The Most Bombed Hotel in Europe Isn’t Where You’d Expect
The story of the Europa Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland was torn apart by sectarian conflict during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. The Protestant unionists wanted Northern Ireland to remain a part of the United Kingdom while Catholic republicans wanted a united Ireland, north and south.
Fighting broke out and more than 3500 people, including innocent civilians, were killed during the three-decade-long conflict known as The Troubles. Over 16,000 bombs exploded across N.I. from both sides and the violence spread to Dublin, Ireland, and London, U.K.
Amid the violence, one building stood strong in the centre of Belfast and represented a symbol of strength throughout the bloody atrocities. That building was the Europa Hotel, which holds the title of Europe’s most bombed hotel.
1960–1968
In the early to mid-1960s, Northern Ireland was a prosperous place. There was relative peace and the growing economy had led to a major construction boom. A decision was made to build a large new luxury hotel right in the centre of Belfast as a sign of the country’s economic growth.
