St. George's Hall, Liverpool (must see)

Saint George's Hall, on Lime Street, stands directly opposite Liverpool Lime Street railway station, and its monumental classical façade is really hard to miss. If you approach it from the north-east side, look across toward the long eastern front of the building, dominated by its tall Corinthian columns.

Head toward the center of this east façade, where a broad flight of stone steps leads up to the main entrance. Above you, the great portico is supported by 16 Corinthian columns, giving the building the appearance of an ancient Greek temple. Along the façade, also notice the square pillars and sculpted relief panels added in the late 19th century.

Once inside, make your way toward the Great Hall, the building's most impressive interior space. Look up first. The high tunnel-vaulted ceiling is richly decorated with plasterwork featuring allegorical figures representing the Virtues, the Science, and the Arts. Polished red granite columns line the hall, while statues occupy niches along the walls.

Then look down at the floor. Beneath its protective covering lies one of Saint George's Hall's great treasures: some 30,000 decorative Minton tiles. The floor is normally covered to protect it, but it is occasionally uncovered for special events. If your visit coincides with one of these occasions, it is well worth seeing.

At the northern end of the Great Hall, look for the enormous pipe organ, which forms one of the room's main focal points. At the opposite, southern end, a large rounded arch marks the connection toward the court section of the building.

As you explore, also look for the impressive bronze doors with decorative openwork panels. Among their details are the letters "SPQL," echoing the Roman abbreviation SPQR and referring here to the "Senate and People of Liverpool."

Saint George's Hall was not only ambitious architecturally. Hidden within the building is an innovative Victorian heating and ventilation system, designed to circulate and regulate air throughout the complex and often described as an early form of air conditioning.

The hall continues to host concerts, exhibitions, ceremonies, and other events. There is also a café on the ground floor, useful for a break after exploring the building.