This is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Liverpool. Work began on the site to build this cathedral in the 1930s with an elaborate plan of the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. However, World War II slowed work and it came to a standstill in 1941, and the grand scheme was abandoned. In the 1960s, new designs were sought that fitted with the spirit of the Second Vatican Council. The successful design was that of Sir Frederick Gibberd, which incorporated the crypt of the earlier work, and was completed and consecrated in 1967. Its design was significantly different and new at the time as it was circular in design with the altar being in the centre. It has been nicknamed Paddy's Wigwam because of its shape but also the large number of Irish who came and settled in Liverpool, and increased the Catholic population of the city.

Arriving at the front of the Cathedral it has a grandness to its entrance with wide steps leading up to it. The entrance hall has a series of stands giving details of the cathedral and its history. Inside, there is a guide who will try and answer your questions, and who has leaflets for free (available in quite a few languages) detailing all the elements in the cathedral. There are a series of side chapels around the outside dedicated to various saints, Mary and so on. But most stunning is the stained glass which is in deep and varying shades of blue. Its an interesting example of church architecture and worth a wander around.

The cathedral is open from 8am to 6pm everyday, and there is no entrance fee but rather they ask for donations. There is a small visitor centre, shop, and cafe just beside the steps up to the cathedral. Further information about the cathedral including services can be found at www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk.