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As one of the world’s most visually striking Cathedrals marks its 50th Birthday, we take a closer look at its design, and take note of some others of the world’s most architecturally superior cathedrals.

Happy 50th Birthday Paddy’s Wigwam.

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Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

At the north end of Liverpool’s Hope Street, you will find the iconic shape of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. Or Paddy’s Wigwam as it’s affectionately known in the city – due to its distinctive tent-like shape.

Initially the structure was met with some scepticism, with its modern design and concrete and stone cladding, a stark contrast from its traditional cousin that dominates the opposite end of Hope Street (who we will get to later on).

Originally, for this project, Sir Edwin Lutyens designed an enormous structure, which would see this Catholic cathedral being the second largest church in the world, including the world’s biggest dome – an enormous 11m bigger than that of the Vatican’s Basilica. However, in 1958, these plans were scrapped as the project had become too costly.

The Cathedral as it stands today was designed by Sir Frekerick Gibberd and construction began in 1962. Less than five years later in the summer of 1967, it was opened to the public.

The centralised alter situated under the stained glass tower allows for a dramatic and colourful focus.

We think it definitely deserves its crown.

 

The Cathedral of Brasilia

Oscar Niemeyer’s design for the hyperboloid structure is nothing short of striking.  The imagery gives the distinct impression of being under water – which coincidentally, in some parts of the cathedral, you actually are. With a 12 metre wide pool surrounding the building - which reflects onto the cathedral roof - was designed to keep the building cool.

The unique design was created using 16 huge concrete columns, each weighing a 90 tons. The Roman Catholic cathedral in the Brasilian capital city is mostly situated below ground, with just the baptistery and bell tower visible above ground.

The central alter of the cathedral was donated my Pope Paul VI before his death in 1978. The building’s design is supposed to be representative of two hands reaching up to heaven.

 

Helsinki Cathedral

The Helsinki Cathedral, with its gleaming white walls, and strong pillars dominates the skyline of the Finnish capital. From its dramatic position at the top of a staircase in the Senate Square, the neoclassical cathedral has become the visual reference for Finland. Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral was completed in 1952. Today the iconic Cathedral steps are a popular resting and meeting point for both tourists and locals alike.

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral

Across the road from the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral sits the Anglican Cathedral. The enormous Sandstone structure stands proud and tall, overlooking surrounding Merseyside. This dramatic building boasts many facts… After taking almost 80 years to construct, the Liverpool cathedral is the largest Anglican Cathedral in the world. With a tower of 101metres tall, it is the world’s tallest non-spire church. Its designer, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who’s other famous works include Battersea Power Station, Waterloo Bridge and the iconic Red telephone box.

United States Air Force Chapel

The distinctive chapel in the grounds of The United States Air Force Academy was designed specifically to house several different religions under one roof. Walter Netsch’s 1962, Brutalist style jagged edge design and 17 soaring spires of the chapel led to it gaining the American Institute of Architects national twenty five year award. Also, in 2004 was announced as an American national landmark.

There’s conflicting opinions if this is a cathedral or not, but we are going to keep it in here anyway, just in case!

The initial design had 19 spires but unfortunately, due to cuts to the budget, this was reduced to 17.