Architechture & Cathedrals

Liverpool World Heritage Site

Fewer than nine hundred UNESCO World Heritage Site inscriptions have been made since the list was formed in 1972, so when Liverpool's Dock Front was named in 2004 the city justifiably felt honoured.

The list recognises cultural and historical significance, both in man-made and natural sites. Liverpool's Dock Front was chosen because of its vital role in expanding trade and British influence during the nation's age of empire, and also because of the specific architecture and innovations its engineers pioneered. The list's official name for the site, Liverpool - Maritime Mercantile City, sums up this justification. Now, Liverpool's Dock Front area has officially joined the likes of the Pyramids, the Statue of Liberty, the Great Wall of China and the Great Barrier Reef as an iconic location. For visitors to the site, it could be a little confusing where the World Heritage site begins and ends, so it can be divided into six distinct areas:

• The Pier Head
• Albert Dock and its surroundings
• Stanley Dock and its surroundings
• The Castle St, Dale St, Victoria St and Old Hall St region- The Cultural Quarter (William Brown St)
• The Duke St area (warehousing and merchants' housing)

Despite the fact that almost all of these areas are used today for wholly different purposes than originally intended, the character and architecture remain virtually unchanged, testament to the subtle and respectful way in which they have been used.

Liverpool Cathedral

The largest Cathedral in the UK, with the world’s highest Gothic arches, Sir John Betjeman called it “one of the great buildings of the twentieth century”.

Its awesome architecture inside and out, panoramic views from the tower, together with a visit to the Elizabeth Hoare Embroidery Gallery never fails to impress. The Cathedral now boasts a new attraction – The Great Space.

When visitors step through the door of Liverpool Cathedral, most people do two things – they lift their heads and say “wow!” The Cathedral’s awesome scale and beauty never fails to make a lasting impression – together with, of course, the panoramic view of the city and beyond from the Tower.

It lays claim to many records – the UK’s largest Cathedral, the world’s highest and heaviest peal of bells, the world’s highest and widest Gothic arches among many.

Its new visitor facilities herald a new era of hospitality and form part of the city’s tourism developments, ahead of 2008. There is a new shop with a café bar on a mezzanine floor above providing spectacular views, and complimentary broadband internet access. The award-wining Refectory and patio area has been refurbished, there are improved toilet facilities and better disabled access.

But the jewel in the crown is a new attraction, called ‘The Great Space’. Sir John Betjamin famously remarked that the Cathedral demonstrated “the supreme art of enclosing space”.

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral opened in 1967 with its modern, circular design and glorious multi-coloured windows. Dating from the 1930s, the majestic barrel vaults of fine brickwork and granite pillars in the original Lutyens Crypt offer a sharp contrast in architectural styles.

St George's Hall

Was reopened on April 23rd 2007 by HRH The Prince of Wales, after the completion of a £23m restoration. The Hall has been carefully restored to its original glory and a new Heritage Centre has been created to provide visitors with a dynamic and exciting introduction to St George's Hall and its place in Liverpool’s history. Key features of the Heritage Centre include:

• The original south entrance hall on St Johns Lane, designed by Harvey Longsdale Elmes, but never before used by the public;
• Opportunities to visit the cells used by prisoners awaiting trial;
• The newly refurbished Criminal Court and Judge’s Robing Room;
• Glimpses of the unique ventilation system designed by Dr David Boswell Reid;
• A Learning Suite for school parties;
• A Community Room entitled ‘World Heritage-Your Heritage’ where local groups can display exhibitions;
• A new accessible viewing gallery for the Great Hall;
• The Minton Tea Room

Throughout the Heritage Centre, imaginative exhibitions, reconstructions and hands-on activities vividly bring the story of St George’s Hall alive. Visitors can follow in the steps of the unfortunate prisoners, from prison cell to the dock. Inter-active hand-held units, provide a range of themed tours (available summer 2007)

Echo Arena

Arena and convention centre Liverpool. 10,600 seat Arena staging world-class events. A large and versatile convention centre, playing host to national and international conventions. Opening in 2008, it is among the greenest buildings of its kind in Europe.

Speke Hall

The finest surviving timber framed Tudor manor house in the Northwest of England. Unrivalled country walks with stunning views across the famous River Mersey and to the Welsh Hills. An oasis of beauty and tranquillity just outside the bustling city centre.