The Metropolitan Cathedral's stark white appearance gives it an almost space age presence, the structure has often been described as 'Paddy's Rocket' or 'Paddy's wigwam'. Designs date back to the Aztec era.

Shortly after the Catholic Diocese of Liverpool was established in 1850, the commission to design a Cathedral was entrusted to Edward Pugin. Only the Lady Chapel of this Gothic design situated in Everton was completed before lack of funds brought work to a standstill. 60 years passed before the idea was reborn in 1922.

In 1930, Archbishop Downey purchased the Brownlow Hill site formerly occupied by the Workhouse. At the suggestion of Pope Piuis XI, the new Cathedral was dedicated to Christ the King.

The outbreak of war interrupted building and only the crypt was built by 1958. By the end of the war costs had escalated so much that Lutyen's grandiose scheme had to be abandoned.

It was Archbishop Heenan who brought into reality a Cathedral expressing the new spirit of the Liturgy then being formulated by the Vatican Council. A world-wide competition was launched in 1960 and Frederick Gibberd's design was chosen. Building began on Whit Sunday, 14 May 1967.
The recently completed grand stairway approach from Mount Pleasant creates an exciting new view of the cathedral along Hope Street. A Cathedral Shop and Resturant can be found at the foot of the stairway.