Visit the Cathedral
For opening times of the Cathedral and the Lutyens Crypt and Treasury, please refer to Service Times or see below.
The Visitors' Leaflet can be downloaded here.
Visitors' leaflets in other languages can be downloaded here.
People often ask 'Why Metropolitan ?' One obvious answer is that Liverpool is fortunate enough to possess two mighty symbols of the Christian faith in the two cathedrals which face each other at opposite ends of the aptly-named Hope Street. Both are dedicated to Christ: the Anglican to Christ and the Blessed Virgin and the Catholic to Christ the King, so it helps avoid confusion to refer to one as Liverpool Cathedral and the other as The Metropolitan Cathedral.
But the term Metropolitan indicates a wider remit than just Liverpool or indeed Merseyside, for this building is the seat (Greek Cathedra) of the Archbishop of Liverpool who is the spiritual leader of all the faithful of the Northern Province of the Catholic Church in England comprising seven suffragan dioceses in all, which include Hallam (Sheffied), Hexham & Newcastle, Lancaster, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Salford.
A cathedral is not just bricks and mortar, concrete, steel, stone and glass. These do indeed form a powerful, permanent and visible witness to realities which transcend the mundane concerns which preoccupy most of us most of the time.
But more importantly the building exists as a home for activities which centre upon God, and as the focus of a community – or rather a series of communities – which draw spiritual sustenance from the building and the worship which takes place there.
The spirit which the Metropolitan Cathedral enshrines is told in part in its history – the labours of its builders and sponsors, the perseverance of the poor in supporting successive leaders of the community in the fulfilment of their holy ambition; partly in the beauty of the final product produced by the skills of contemporary architects, artists and craftsmen. But most of all that spirit is portrayed in the communities which use the building. There are the local residents of the parish with fond memories of the Pro-Cathedral Church of St Nicholas on Copperas Hill, which served as the liturgical heart of the diocese for a hundred years; the lay clerks, boys and girls who sing the regular choral offices and with their families form a substantial part of the community at the Solemn Sunday Mass week after week; the large numbers of students from the university residences which surround us, who make this their parish church; the troubled and the bereaved who slip into to pray in peace and quiet and the scores of volunteer helpers who, together with the staff, in their various ways make the fabric come alive to the glory of God and in the service of their neighbours.
Yet the Cathedral has an even wider scope. It is Mother Church to the Catholics of the whole Archdiocese of Liverpool, stretching from Ribble to Mersey, and is thronged many times a year for special diocesan services and celebrations. It is the natural focus of Catholics from many nations, visitors to our City, seeking to worship with familiar rites. It is the frequent venue of ecumenical services, as fellow citizens and Christians of other Churches join us in prayer. It plays a prominent national role, particularly through the medium of radio and television on occasions of public rejoicing and sorrow.
Then there are those who come perhaps with other objects in mind: those who enjoy the annual season of concerts in the Crypt or Cathedral; the hundreds of parties of school children who take part in our educational visits each year; the visitors and tourists, numbered in their hundreds and thousands, who come from all corners of the globe out of interest or curiosity. To all these, God’s people, we hope the Cathedral offers an oasis of calm and beauty, and helps to lift up their minds and hearts to God in prayer. We pray for them that they may go in their way encouraged to aspire to the values of the Christian Gospel which this building proclaims in its fabric, life and work.
We hope that your visit to our website will give you a flavour of the luminous beauty and spiritual atmosphere of this remarkable building and of the many ways in which, together with its Sister Cathedral, it bears witness to the Christian faith and serves the wider community in our City and region.
The upkeep of the Cathedral is very expensive and donations are welcomed. More information about making a donation can be found on the Donate page of the website. We continue to receive legacies from donors and friends which provide substantial assistance in the running costs. We acknowledge with gratitude a recent legacy of £90,000 towards the costs of the Music Department. If you are considering making a legacy in favour of the Cathedral, please in the first instance, make contact with the Dean's Assistant, who can provide the necessary information.
OPENING TIMES The Cathedral is normally open from 7.30am to 6.00pm, but closes at 5.00pm on Sundays in winter. The Sunday evening mass at 7.00pm is celebrated in the Crypt Chapel.
There is no charge for admission but a suggested donation of £2.50 for the upkeep of the building would be appreciated.
A charge of £3.00 is made for individual admission to the Crypt and Treasury. Tickets for admission can be obtained from the Golden Book Office, situated within the Cathedral, or from the Gift Shop (at the foot of the main approach steps).
You may make a donation towards the upkeep which would be gratefullly received.
GUIDES
are usually on duty to show you round and to explain the mission of the Cathedral.
GUIDED TOURS for organised groups can be booked in advance. Click here to arrange a guided tour or phone 0151 709 9222.
PHOTOGRAPHY is permitted in the Cathedral except during Services but not in the Crypt.
CAR PARKING
There is an underground car park which is open to all visitors from 8.00am – 6.00pm daily. There are also spaces for disabled drivers which are clearly marked.
Parking charges are £1.00 for 1 hour; £2.00 for 2 hours; £5.00 all day to 6.00pm
ACCESS
A staircase and lift situated in the lower porch provide access to the Cathedral from the underground car park to Cathedral level. These are both accessible from the car park.
Externally there is a sloping path through the garden. The entrance to this path is via a gate at the pavement end of the car park approach road.
The Crypt is accessible via a lift situated in the Rotunda sited to the right of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel (underneath the pipes of the Grand Organ).
Wheelchairs are available.
A loop system is fitted in the Cathedral and in the Crypt Chapel.
Large type service sheets are available at Sunday services and all choral and special services.
Cathedral Accessibility Policy
The GIFT SHOP is open every day from 10.00am - 4.00pm
The PIAZZA CAFE is open every day from 9.00am - 5.30pm
TRAVEL DIRECTIONS TO THE CATHEDRAL