The iconic Compton House building that stands on Church Street was rebuilt in 1867 after the original was destroyed by fire two years earlier. Now a Grade II-listed building, it was one of the first purpose built department stores in Europe. After being converted into a hotel in 1871, Compton House reverted back to a department store in 1927, when Marks & Spencer moved in. The retailer remained in the building for almost 100 years, before moving to a new location in Liverpool ONE in 2023. It is currently being turned into a Sports Direct.placeholder image
The iconic Compton House building that stands on Church Street was rebuilt in 1867 after the original was destroyed by fire two years earlier. Now a Grade II-listed building, it was one of the first purpose built department stores in Europe. After being converted into a hotel in 1871, Compton House reverted back to a department store in 1927, when Marks & Spencer moved in. The retailer remained in the building for almost 100 years, before moving to a new location in Liverpool ONE in 2023. It is currently being turned into a Sports Direct. | Emma Dukes

29 historic Liverpool landmarks that represent the city, according to our readers

Emma Dukes
By Emma Dukes

Digital Journalist

Published 26th Mar 2025, 13:17 BST

Liverpool has a wealth of historic landmarks that define its character. Explore 29 cherished buildings and sites in this vibrant city.

Liverpool boasts a rich history, with many fantastic buildings and historic landmarks representing the city for hundreds of years.

The incredible monuments help tell the story of how Liverpool has evolved over of the years and people travel from near and far to take in the city’s architectural wonders.

- Liverpool’s most iconic buildings: The Royal Liver Building

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While Liverpool continues to change and grow, with Everton’s new stadium preparing for the new season, the Royal Albert Dock set for a revamp and the Tate art gallery undergoing a major redevelopment, these longstanding landmarks help the city to hold on to its identity.

We asked our readers to share their favourite Liverpool buildings and have put together a list of the top 29 landmarks mentioned. Take a look at the gallery below and let us know your favourites in the comments.

Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at https://www.yourworld.net/submit/ It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website

The majestic Anglican cathedral - the largest in Britain and the fifth largest in the world - has Grade I listed status and is a truly iconic building, home to beautiful architecture, stained glass windows, breath-taking views and a family of peregrine falcons. It was designed by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who submitted plans in 1903. Construction began in 1904, the cathedral was consecrated in 1924 and was completed in 1978.

5. Liverpool Cathedral, St James’s Mount

The majestic Anglican cathedral - the largest in Britain and the fifth largest in the world - has Grade I listed status and is a truly iconic building, home to beautiful architecture, stained glass windows, breath-taking views and a family of peregrine falcons. It was designed by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who submitted plans in 1903. Construction began in 1904, the cathedral was consecrated in 1924 and was completed in 1978. | UpshotPhotos, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, known locally as 'Paddy's Wigwam', is the Catholic cathedral in the city and a Grade II* listed building. The architect, Frederick Gibberd, was the winner of a worldwide design competition. Construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1967.

6. Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, Mount Pleasant

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, known locally as 'Paddy's Wigwam', is the Catholic cathedral in the city and a Grade II* listed building. The architect, Frederick Gibberd, was the winner of a worldwide design competition. Construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1967. | Getty Images

The Royal Liver Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Opened in 1911, it was one of the first buildings in the world to be built using reinforced concrete. It stands at 322 ft tall to the spires, which are topped by Liver Birds Bertie and Bella. Bella looks out towards the river to protect the port while Bertie looks over the city to protect the people of Liverpool.

7. The Royal Liver Building, Pier Head

The Royal Liver Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Opened in 1911, it was one of the first buildings in the world to be built using reinforced concrete. It stands at 322 ft tall to the spires, which are topped by Liver Birds Bertie and Bella. Bella looks out towards the river to protect the port while Bertie looks over the city to protect the people of Liverpool. | chemistkane/stock,adobe

Opened in 1854, St George’s Hall is a Neoclassical landmark which has welcomed future kings, had a giant fall asleep in its historic hall, heralded truth and justice for The 97 and been transformed into Gotham City for the filming of Batman.

8. St George's Hall, St George's Place

Opened in 1854, St George’s Hall is a Neoclassical landmark which has welcomed future kings, had a giant fall asleep in its historic hall, heralded truth and justice for The 97 and been transformed into Gotham City for the filming of Batman. | Fever

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