Standing proudly in Liverpool City Centre between the Georgian Quarter and the Baltic Triangle is Liverpool Cathedral. This striking Gothic Revival sandstone masterpiece is the longest and fifth largest cathedral in the world.
The Anglican cathedral is one of two main city sites of worship. The other being the contemporary, circular Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Liverpool. Both cathedrals are linked by Hope Street, with the latter lying a short walk to the north. Liverpool Cathedral is truly breathtaking, both inside and out. It merges past with present perfectly. The cathedral blends beautiful stained glass windows, high altars and bell towers with neon signs and red iconic phone boxes. The latter, removable features were installed as part of Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture exhibition. They aim to show that religion is firmly ensconced in the 21st century. The cathedral organ is the largest pipe organ in the UK with 10,268 pipes and a trompette militaire. Walk down the aisle of Lady Chapel and admire the attention to detail of this stunning architectural masterpiece. Visitors can venture to the bell tower and discover the Bartlett Bells and “Great George” bell weighing 14.7 tonnes. Afterwards, amble outside to St. James Mount and Gardens to explore the exterior of this magnificent structure, then take a seat and reflect.
It’s easy to walk to Liverpool Cathedral from main city shopping streets and Albert Dock. It takes around 30 minutes to walk from Liverpool Lime Street Train Station and Liverpool Central. The city operates bus services which stop outside the Liverpool Cathedral gates at Upper Duke Street. Alternatively, the city hop on hop off bus tour incorporates Liverpool Cathedral into their routes. Taxis and Uber are available throughout the city.
In 1885, an Act of Parliament authorised a building of a cathedral on the site of the existing church of St. John’s. A design competition was held in 1901 and architects from all over the UK were invited to submit their portfolios for consideration. The winning design was that of 22-year-old, Giles Gilbert Scott. His majestic Gothic Revival and monumental design with central tower stands to this day and is visited by worshippers from far and wide.