The first time visitor to Liverpool is usually amazed by the
grandeur of its architecture. A walk through the city centre
to the waterfront reveals the impressive legacy of one of the
world's greatest cities of the 19th century. The 'second city
of Empire', it eclipsed London at times for its commerce. The
miles of docks witnessed not only the shipping cargoes to and
from all corners of the globe but also a massive exodus of
millions of emigrants from all over Europe seeking prosperity
in the New World. Liverpool was an outward looking boom town
expressing its confidence in fine buildings and impressive
public spaces.
Today, the visitor might be surprised to know that Liverpool has
more government-listed buildings than any other British city
outside of London (and that it has more Georgian buildings than
Bath). Yet, Liverpool is more than fine architecture. A city
known worldwide as the birthplace of the Beatles, the home of
Liverpool Football Club and famed for its vitality, humour,
generosity, it even has its own unmistakable accent that
reinforces its reputation as a unique place to visit and enjoy.
