26 August 2011 Last updated at 10:28

In Pictures: Europe's 'most bombed hotel' turns 40

The Europa Hotel in Belfast, said to be Europe's most bombed hotel, is celebrating its 40th birthday. This image shows the building under construction before its opening in 1971. It was Belfast’s tallest structure at the time and for many years afterwards.

A bus driving through floodwater on Great Victoria Street, Belfast

Great Victoria Street, where the hotel is located, was regularly flooded until the early 1970s. Very deep piles had to be driven into the bed of the Blackstaff river to ensure sound foundations for the Europa. With the construction site in the background, this bus bravely attempts to continue its route through the water.

The aftermath of an IRA van bomb attack on the Europa, 20 May 1993

The aftermath of an IRA van bomb attack on the Europa on 20 May 1993. There were countless bombs, which either went off in the hotel, or exploded near enough to cause considerable damage. In one week alone in 1974, the hotel was hit twice by the provisional IRA. "It is still there given the trials and tribulations it has had," said its current manager James McGinn.

Trevor McDonald, in the centre of the picture, runs across Great Victoria Street shortly after a bomb explosion

In another archive image ITN presenter Trevor McDonald, in the centre of the picture, runs across Great Victoria Street shortly after a bomb explosion outside the hotel. The Europa was the home for many journalists during the Troubles. It kept its doors open despite repeated attacks and had the motto “we never close”

Hillary Clinton in front of Europa waving

Hillary Clinton stayed with husband Bill in 1995, as part of their Belfast visit during the peace process. The room in which the couple slept has since been renamed the Clinton Suite.

Former US president Bill Clinton greets a member of the Europa's staff during his visit to Belfast in 1995

Here Mr Clinton greets a member of staff during his visit.

The Europa carried a banner encouraging Belfast to say "Yes" at the referendum following the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriot is just one of the famous faces to visit the Europa. Others include Alex Ferguson, George Best and Julia Roberts - who is reported to have stayed there to escape the media after leaving Keifer Sutherland.

Actor Elliott Gould, famous for his roles in US sitcoms Friends and Mash, is seen here with former manager John Toner at the Europa.

Here is the Europa as it stands in 2011 - 40 years after it first opened its doors.

Northern Ireland

In Pictures: Europe's 'most bombed hotel' turns 40

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