Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral, the Anglican cathedral on St James's Mount, is a vast red sandstone building that dominates the city's skyline. Designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, who won the competition at 22, it took most of the 20th century to finish and is said to be the longest cathedral in the world.
Photos
Vanja Pajić
A building of superlatives
Work began in the early 1900s, the Lady Chapel was consecrated in 1910 and the completion service was held in October 1978, after Scott's death. The central tower rises to 331 feet, making it one of the tallest church towers without a spire anywhere. It also holds the highest and heaviest ringing peal of bells in the world.
Inside
The interior is enormous, and the sense of space is the main reason to come. Listen out for the Willis organ, described as the largest pipe organ in the UK, with more than 10,000 pipes. Above the west door, Tracey Emin's pink neon piece 'For You' is a modern contrast to the Gothic stonework. The Grade I listed building is built largely of sandstone quarried at Woolton.
Planning a visit
Allow at least an hour to walk around, longer if you plan to climb the tower or catch a service with the choir. Hope Street links it to the Metropolitan Cathedral at the other end, so you can see both in one walk. St James' Gardens, below the cathedral, is a sheltered spot for a breather.
Highlights
- Designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, completed 1978
- 331ft tower with the world's highest and heaviest ringing peal
- UK's largest pipe organ
- Tracey Emin's neon 'For You' above the west door
Good to know
- Hope Street connects it with the Metropolitan Cathedral for a walk between the two.
- It is a working cathedral, so some areas may be closed during services and events.
Frequently asked questions
Sources: wikishire.co.uk