Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool (must see)

The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, officially named the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King and affectionately called Paddy's Wigwam by locals, serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool and is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool. A Grade II* listed building, it is a landmark among Liverpool’s architectural treasures.

Designed by Frederick Gibberd, who won a worldwide design competition in 1959, the cathedral was constructed between 1962 and 1967. Earlier designs, proposed in 1933 and 1953, were abandoned due to financial and practical challenges. Gibberd’s innovative design met two key criteria: seating for 2,000 congregants with clear sightlines to the altar and integration of the pre-existing Lutyens crypt.

The cathedral’s striking circular design spans a diameter of 195 feet (59 meters). Its conical shape is supported by 16 boomerang-shaped concrete trusses, joined by two ring beams and reinforced by flying buttresses, creating its distinctive tent-like appearance. At the top, the lantern tower, adorned with vibrant stained glass windows, culminates in a crown of pinnacles, forming a dramatic focal point. Clad in Portland stone with an aluminum roof, the structure seamlessly combines modern materials with spiritual symbolism.

A flight of steps from Hope Street leads to the entrance, topped by a wedge-shaped bell tower with four bells. Relief sculptures by William Mitchell depict three crosses and Evangelist symbols. At the heart of the cathedral, the Macedonian white marble altar is crowned by an aluminum baldachino with integrated lights and speakers, designed by Gibberd.

Concentric benches by Frank Knight provide clear views for the congregation. The lantern tower’s vibrant glasswork, by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens, symbolizes the Trinity. Stained glass by artists like Margaret Traherne and Ceri Richards complements interior highlights, including a bronze crucifix by Elisabeth Frink, Sean Rice's Stations of the Cross, and Georg Mayer-Marton's Pentecost mosaic.

In addition to the main cathedral, a smaller version designed by Gibberd was built in 1965 at the former De La Salle College in Lancashire, now part of Hopwood Hall College.

The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral stands as a masterpiece of modern ecclesiastical architecture, reflecting both the bold vision of its designer and the enduring faith of its community.

Tip:
Make sure to visit before the crypt closes for the day (3:30 pm); also, try and go on a sunny day when the sunshine lights up the modern stained glass.
With luck maybe come in times of an art exhibition, or in times of organ concerts and/or classical music!