Metropolitan Cathedral

At the other end of Hope Street from Liverpool’s monolithic Anglican Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral provides a sparsely modernist contrast in architectural style. Built in 1967 in a design likened to an upward-thrusting tepee, the cathedral is colloquially known as the ‘Mersey Funnel’ and ‘Paddy’s Wigwam.'

The building’s unusual circular design is topped by a conical turret ringed with spires. The circular lantern at the top of the turret is circled with stained-glass windows.

The original design was a grand neo-Gothic domed affair, designed by the noted architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in response to the similarly Gothic outline of the neighboring Anglican Cathedral. War and Depression delayed construction, with only the crypt being completed according to the original design.

You can tour the crypt and treasury on a visit to the cathedral - or visit Lutyens’ crypt during the annual Liverpool Beer Festival for the rare experience of tasting real ales in a cathedral! Guides are available to show you around, and the cathedral has a visitor center.

Practical Info

Liverpool’s Metropolitan Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral is a little south of the city center, an uphill walk from Albert Dock.