Church/ Cathedral/ MonasteryMetropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King (Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King)

[Zmugzy, 15.08.2006] The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King is a Roman Catholic Cathedral also known by the locals as Paddys Wigwam. It is one of Liverpools most fascinating landmarks and more or less faces Liverpools other Cathedral at the opposite end of Hope Street. The Cathedral was designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd after a competition was held inviting 300 entries from all over the world. Construction began in October 1962 and within five years it was completed and consecrated on the Feast of Pentecost, 14 May 1967.

It is a striking and quite ambitious design that went through many stages of development. The interior tower of multi-coloured glass was designed by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens. The coloured glass windows provide a beautiful and calming effect to the ambiance of the spacious interior. It is an interesting contrast to the rather striking and angular exterior that confronts you upon entering. There are usually guides available who can show you round the Cathedral and it is alright to take photographs inside the Cathedral as long as it is not during Services.

There is a Cathedral Crypt consisting of two chapels and two halls and was the only part of the building constructed as part of an earlier design by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1930. The original design conisted of a grandiose romanesque super-structure but this was abandoned due to disruption by the second world war and later escalating costs. The Crypt consists of high barrel vaulted ceilings. The dark brick work and contrasting grey granite was intended to match the original Cathedral that was to be built in the 1930s but later abandoned.

The Piazza cafe bar is quite a relaxing place to sit down and have a drink or a snack. The food is freshly prepared each day. There are also available speciality coffees, continental beers and fine wines. The cafe is open between 10am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday. Although during summertime they tend to stay open later in the evening. The Café forms part of the visitor centre that also comprises a gift shop and an information point where you can find out about the construcion and history of the Cathedral.

The Cathedral is a short walk from Liverpool Lime Street station and is served by a number of buses from the city centre which is situated about a mile away. The University of Liverpool is located nearby.

There is no charge for admission but a contribution (the suggestion is £3) to the upkeep of the building is appreciated. The Cathedral is normally open from 8.00am to 6.00pm, but closed at 5.00pm on Sundays in winter. An underground car park is open to all visitors from 8.00am 6.00pm. There are spaces for disabled drivers which are all clearly marked. As well as a staircase there is a lift that provides access to the Cathedral from car park.