Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral

The second great holy place to visit in Liverpool. And well again a huge surprise compared to the other churches and cathedrals I have seen in the UK. From afar you see this completely futuristic design and you start wondering. Wondering about how it is inside, about that last science fiction book you read and how believers react to such an architecturally bold building.
You then enter and see the heart is actually in the centre with the benches all around it. And around that, a belt of chapels dedicated to different part of the Bible.
We didn’t have the chance to visit it during a sunny day when we could have enjoyed the stained glass but the atmosphere still made us calm and pensive.
The steel sculptures are truly amazing and add to this futuristic atmosphere. Oddly, I found that the atmosphere was a bit gloomy maybe because of the weather of maybe because of the sculptures…

Known as paddy’s wigwam. Really attractive from the outside and eye catching. Lots of parking near by. Located in a modern part of Liverpool in the heart of Liverpool university area. Interior is very inviting with great features.

This is locally known as «Paddys WigWam» when you are outside you will see why!
However when you enter which is free you are stunned an amazed at the «lantern» of stained glass from the inside. And the depiction of the crown of thorns over the central altar. It is a very welcoming place for quiet reflection or a very interesting space to discover the various chapels around the perimeter. This is a stunning space and the people here are really friendly.
We will return because architecturally it is an amazing building.

Yes they do do food here! Nice café with a good selection of lunchtime food from soup to salads, jackets to paninis.
Once you have walked up from Albert Dock and looked round this amazing cathedral, it’s good to know you’re not stuck for a meal or snack.

A positively stunning and breathtaking cathedral. My friend and I just popped in because it was raining and we had time to kill but we are so glad we did. It’s huge and incredibly modern and gives, in my opinion, almost a futuristic vibe from the clean cut, non fussy displays. It’s a place of worship and beauty I think everyone can enjoy. I will definitely be revisiting. Just stepping inside made me feel calm and pensive.

I’m really sorry but I don’t like this cathedral. Nothing against Catholics or anything, but I think it’s ugly.
If you love cathedrals and old architecture, you’ll probably be as annoyed as I was by this modern piece of … um, stuff. Yeah. I don’t like modern architecture. It’s just not pretty. It looks like a space ship or something.
Yeah. That’s enough said.

The place used to give me the willies when I was younger. I was aware that churches were solemn stone buildings permeated with some kind of quiet reverence, so to walk into the ghoulish lunacy of Paddy’s Wigwam felt like my last moments before being brainwashed into some cult.
Recently, I strolled around inside and found it to be quite pleasant, if not mind-​shrinkingly silent. The design, of course, is still barking mad but it is swamped with tranquility and for a minute you forget you’re in a building that seems to predict what Christianity will be like in the year 9,000.
This is a place that worships eerie, stretched images of a blue Christ and the only reassurance is the fact that Lutyens never got his way. His original 1930 design was for a staggeringly massive construction, the proposed second-​largest church in the world, whose dome would’ve dwarfed that of the Vatican. It’s a good job World War II came along and put a stop to his God-​scaring tomfoolery.

As a lapsed Catholic it was an odd feeling to walk up the long, broad steps to the metropolitan catholic cathedral. It is such a collosus of a figure in Liverpools structure and a place which represents so much for so many. However when you enter the building and witness the enormous extravagant space inside there is a sense of calm which simply comes washing over you. It feels harmonious and peaceful exactly how a place of worship should do, except few are as awe inspiring as the cathedral.
There are extravagant pieces on the sides of the wall which signal the stations of the cross and there are also beautifully decorated side chapels some of which are places of silent prayer and reflections where candles an be lit for a small fee. These side chapels pop out at you in a beautifully surprising manner as you slowly wander around the massive space and try your best to take it all in, although this is a difficult task at times as there is so much to try and capture.
The main catholic day of prayer is Sunday and this is marked by the cathedral with four services between 8:30 am and 7:00 pm with a special family mass and also a solemn service. This is extreme dedication on the part of the cathedral as large numbers flood through the doors and yet the place remains a harmonious haven for those of a religous persuasion. The amount of services and the long opening hours of the cathedral make it feel a very accessible space and one where someone with faith could truly feel close to God. Despite its’ size it still manages to retain a personal atmosphere which is not easily done.
Although the cathedral is free to enter at all times there are specialist tours of Lutyens crypt with the prices starting at £3.00 for single admission,£8.00 for a family ticket and school parties are charged at £2.00 per person. It is an excellent level of value to be able to see one of the largest cathedral crypts in the world which has a strange but beautiful feel to it.
Overall the cathedral is vast but beautiful and is a definite must see for those who are religous and even those of an atheist persuasion. There is also a gift shop which has various religous monuments and post cards with beautifully taken shots of the cathedral. There is also a cathedral piazza serving classy food as well as wines, beers and coffees which is a pleasantly upmarket touch and something well worth doing if you are visiting this monumental place.
The Metropolitan Catholic Cathedral will leave you feeling nothing short of inspired.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King is situated on the high ridge of Mount Pleasant, 10 minutes walk from Lime Street Station, and visible from most parts of the city. The cathedral is Mother Church to the Catholics of the whole Archdiocese of Liverpool, stretching from Ribble to Mersey. Similar to the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in that it has a lot to offer and see, although I must say I do prefer Liverpool Anglican Cathedral — its sheer beauty continues to knock me over. Inside the Metropolitan Cathedral there are lots of chapels including the Chapel of Unity and Chapel of St Columba. The Cathedral is free to enter, although there is a crypt that has a fee of £3. The crypt is one of the largest in the world and worth a visit.

At the peak of Mount Pleasant, on the opposite end of Hope Street to Liverpool Cathedral, stands the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral. It cuts a fine shape into the sky and has a magnificent stained glass crown which pierces the Liverpool skyline. This modern, circular cathedral gives an impression of inclusivity and pride even if it does look a little like it has been making a few crop-​circles in its spare time. (Not the kind of Catholic church I remember from my youth, ironically however, it was designed by an Anglican.)
If you’re not too out of breath by the time you’ve climbed those mammoth stone steps, not quite a pyramid but close, then take a pew and be inspired.
Architecturally, if not of course religiously, this is well worth seeing, just to walk around the contemporary art work within and gaze up at the bright colours which rain down on the inside of the building on a sunny day. It’s also worth paying £3 to have a look around the Crypt.

Yeah I know I lokk like a bit of a 5 Star God botherer but thinking about anyone who has yet to experience Liverpool’s Catholic Cathedral it is something taing the time to fit into your itinerary — and if your from the city you’ll burn in hell for not going already!
With its round, inclusive modern style it’s far away from the Catholic upbringing I remember — with bright neon stained glass and modern, minimalist architecture it’s more like a f***in spaceship than a church.
The steps provide a great view down Hope St to its opposite number and the rest of the city centre off to its left. The church is a powerful symbol of the city’s identity and strength of character in overcoming sectarianism. Worth a contemplative look.

Known as Paddy’s Wigwam (have a guess why) this is the more modern of the two cathedrals at either end of the same street. Yes, two cathedrals on one street. We don’t like to do things by halves in Liverpool.
Although not a catholic and raised by a mother who has a very set ‘us and them’ idea about catholics and protestants, this was a place my mum used to take me now and then as opposed to ‘our’ cathedral. I was taught to put money in the collection box and find one of the several chapels to light a candle in and pray for someone. It seemed normal at the time.
The architecture is stunning and the windows beautiful on a sunny day (which means that 80% of the time you don’t get to appreciate that beauty). Although no longer religious, I have a habit of putting on the televised midnight mass services at Christmas, if only to sing along to the hymns, and quite a few have been held in this cathedral.
I can’t really comment on it as a place of worship, but I know that on more than one occasion I have seen people running up the steps at the front whilst singing the Rocky theme music. That’s gotta count for something, right?

Even though I am not a regular church goer, I just love Liverpool’s Metropolitan Catholic Cathedral not just because of its beautiful architecture but because of its internal setting which has an unusual eerie feel to it.
As soon as you enter the Cathedral, the area is of a circular form giving it that communal feel. Its gracious and intricately designed stained glass windows add a rainbow effect, completely changing the outlook and ambience.
My memories of visiting this cathedral go back to the days when I attended annual mass and award ceremonies relating to my school’s Catholic beliefs. It is these memories which I have always cherished when the cathedral is packed full of people giving it that special atmosphere.
The Cathedral is free to tour 7 days a week and I would recommend a visit especially if you have not been before.

As a piece of architecture, I can admit this is an interesting building. As a Catholic, I have to confess this is one of the most uninspiring cathedrals I’ve been to.
When the sun is shining, the tall glass windows cast an eerie (but cool) blue light throughout the Cathedral and walking through it feels like a visit to a modern art museum because of its pieces lining the walls. Everytime I walk in, though, I am hit with an odd feeling that keeps me from partaking in any of the services they offer. It’s just… an odd place. As a place of worship, it’s more like a televangelist church. I always expect someone with a bright suit and Madonna mic to start screaming in tongues and throw snakes at me when I’m there.
One of my favorite things about England is its churches, so it’s too bad that in an effort to be modern, the Metropolitan Cathedral has created a creepy futuristic institution that sucks the faith of me. BUT, if you are a tourist not looking for a place of worship this is a definite must-​see. It’s a cool place and is a truly unique building. And it’s free! Plus, there’s tons of steps leading up to it so you can burn off some of the Cain’s you downed at the pub around the corner.