Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Liverpool audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Liverpool Liverpool guide
About Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Frederick Gibberd's circular modernist Roman Catholic cathedral at the top of Hope Street, consecrated in 1967, with a glowing stained-glass lantern above a central altar and a Lutyens crypt below.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King is the Roman Catholic cathedral of Liverpool and the seat of the Archbishop, standing at the northern end of Hope Street. Its modernist circular design, by Sir Frederick Gibberd, was chosen through an international competition, built between 1962 and 1967 and consecrated on the Feast of Pentecost in 1967. The plan is a circle about 195 feet in diameter, with chapels ringing a central altar beneath a conical roof and a glazed lantern tower.
The lantern's stained glass, by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens, uses the dalle de verre technique. The cathedral sits above a large brick crypt built to an earlier design by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1958; Lutyens' original 1930s scheme for an enormous domed church was abandoned after the Second World War on grounds of cost. It is informally known as Paddy's Wigwam and the Mersey Funnel.
Did you know? For its tent-like shape and the city's Irish Catholic heritage, locals affectionately call it Paddy's Wigwam, while its funnel-shaped lantern tower earned the nickname the Mersey Funnel. Both names are informal.
How long should you spend at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral?
Plan about ~30 min at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral worth visiting?
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Liverpool, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Liverpool
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and read more:
Day 1 of the Liverpool in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Preview the Liverpool tour free in the Gingerguide app.