Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

The cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King but is often referred to as Paddy’s Wigwam, the Pope’s Launch Pad, the Mersey Funnel or simply as the Catholic cathedral to differentiate it from the Anglican Liverpool Cathedral at the other end of Hope Street.

Originally the plan was for a much larger Romanesque domed cathedral designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens (who also designed much of New Delhi). The Lutyens design would have created the world’s second-largest church with a dome considerably larger than St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. However, construction was halted due to rising costs and it was replaced with a much cheaper alternative.

What to see at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

The modernist Catholic cathedral is not to everyone’s taste but architecture buffs will enjoy a visit.

It is best to start at the visitor centre at the bottom of the cathedral steps. Here you will be able to get more information about visiting the cathedral including a visitor’s guide with a plan of the cathedral.

Although this cathedral’s exterior is not particularly attractive, it is much nicer on the inside. On a sunny day, the light from the stained glass windows projects beautiful colours throughout the interior.

The crypt under the cathedral is the only part of Lutyens original design that was completed before construction re-commenced with the more modern design. The crypt is used for a variety of purposes including as an exam venue for the nearby University of Liverpool and also as a venue for an annual beer festival.

There is an interesting photographic exhibition in the crypt that shows the history of the cathedral.

Visiting Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is east of the city centre near the University of Liverpool. It is around a 15-minute walk from the city centre.

Although there is no charge to visit the main part of the cathedral, there is a £3 admission fee to visit the crypt.

The cathedral is fully wheelchair accessible.

There is a visitor centre at the bottom of the cathedral steps, which has an information area, a gift shop and a cafe.

Other points of interest nearby include the Victoria Gallery and Museum, which is only a three-minute walk away and the Garstang Museum of Archaeology, the Williamson Tunnels and Liverpool’s other cathedral are all no more than a 15-minute walk away.

Most people spend no more than an hour visiting the cathedral.