Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King is Liverpool's Catholic cathedral, a circular 1960s building by Sir Frederick Gibberd crowned with a lantern of coloured glass. Entry is free, it sits at the top of Hope Street, and beneath it lies the crypt of Edwin Lutyens' far grander, unbuilt design.
Photos
lindsey hendry
Two cathedrals in one
Sir Edwin Lutyens was first commissioned to design a vast classical cathedral, and his crypt, built in brick and granite from 1933 and finished by 1941, is all that was completed. In 1959 Frederick Gibberd won a competition with a circular modernist design, built between 1962 and 1967 over the top. The crypt opens for tours and events, so check ahead if you want to see it.
Inside the lantern
Gibberd placed the altar at the centre of the round nave, with the congregation gathered around it. Above, the lantern tower is filled with thick slab glass by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens, which throws blue, red and yellow light across the interior. Come on a sunny day for the strongest colours.
Visiting
Entry is free and donations are welcome; some tours and events charge. You approach up a broad flight of steps to large bronze doors, but there is step-free access and lift access too, plus a gift shop and hearing loops. There is no café on site, but Hope Street, which links this cathedral to the Anglican one at the other end, is lined with places to eat.
Highlights
- Circular 1960s design by Sir Frederick Gibberd
- Lantern tower glass by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens
- Lutyens crypt from an earlier unbuilt scheme
- Free entry
Good to know
- Free entry; donations welcome
- Step-free access and lifts available
- Lutyens crypt opens for tours and events only
- No on-site café; Hope Street has plenty of options
Frequently asked questions
Sources: audiala.com