Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral, in Liverpool

The Metropolitan Cathedral is the Catholic cathedral of Liverpool, a circular building with a resolutely modern architecture, nicknamed Paddy's Wigwam for its silhouette in the shape of a tent. The Liverpool audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this place of worship of the twentieth century, crowned with a lantern-tower of coloured stained glass that bathes the interior in a striking light.

The modern cathedral and its crown of light

Here is the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Catholic cathedral of Liverpool, that surprises by its bold and resolutely modern architecture. Consecrated in 1967, it breaks totally with the traditional image of the Gothic cathedrals. Its plan is circular, organised around a central altar, and its slender silhouette, crowned with a great lantern-tower, has earned it from the Liverpudlians the affectionate nickname of Paddy's Wigwam, by reason of its shape evoking a tent. Originally, a far more colossal project had been imagined, but the financial constraints led to retaining this more sober and innovative design. Inside, the visitor is welcomed in a vast space where all the gazes converge towards the altar. The lantern-tower, made of stained glass in blue and coloured tints, diffuses a soft and changing light that descends on the assembly, creating an atmosphere conducive to contemplation and prayer. All around, chapels of varied styles invite to silence and meditation. Under the building extends the crypt, the only vestige of the initial monumental project. A living place of worship and seat of the Catholic archbishop, the cathedral faces, at the other extremity of Hope Street, the Anglican cathedral, like a symbol of dialogue between the confessions. A modern cathedral and a place of prayer, the Metropolitan Cathedral is a fine stop of the discovery of Liverpool, to be visited with respect.

What to see

Here you discover the Catholic cathedral of Liverpool, consecrated in 1967, with its circular and resolutely modern architecture, nicknamed Paddy's Wigwam; around its central altar, the lantern-tower of coloured stained glass bathes the interior in a light conducive to contemplation, while the crypt recalls the initial monumental project. The Metropolitan Cathedral is a place of prayer to be visited with respect. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Metropolitan Cathedral stands at the top of Mount Pleasant, at one extremity of Hope Street, in the district of the universities of Liverpool, reachable on foot. It is a place of worship in activity, whose access is made in the respect of the services and of contemplation; the hours of visit vary. It is best to enquire before coming and to adopt correct attire.

Why is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Liverpool nicknamed Paddy's Wigwam?

Because this Catholic cathedral, consecrated in 1967, presents a circular and modern architecture crowned with a great lantern-tower, whose slender silhouette evokes a tent, hence the affectionate nickname that the Liverpudlians gave it; inside, its coloured stained glass bathes the central altar in a light conducive to contemplation.

Where is the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool?

At the top of Mount Pleasant, at one extremity of Hope Street, in the district of the universities of Liverpool, in England.