The gray city that became the most magical pearl in Europe

The historic port city is seen as the city of the Beatles and football, but this is an original sin because in recent years it has completed a cultural and touristic metamorphosis, and presents its visitors with a happy and colorful palette of possibilities.Karim, the owner of a restaurant CRUSTborn in Algiers whose parents immigrated to Manchester, admits that for years he avoided visiting Liverpool due to the animosity that prevailed between the football teams’ fans. “When I finally arrived I found out that there are warm, welcoming people here and not monsters like I was made to think. It’s like Jews and Arabs” he concludes with a wink, “It’s worth a try.” What Sacharim describes is the spirit of Liverpool, a warm and family city, whose residents known as ‘Scousers’ are known for community and local pride. Their shortcoming concerns the heavy accent that is hard to decipher, and if you don’t understand, do like me, nod and put on a stupid smile no matter what is said.

Liverpool is a city of extremes, moving between highs and lows, riches and poverty, glory and sunset. Its foundations were laid in 1190 when it was called by the unattractive name “Muddy Lake”. Its location on the banks of the Mersey River later encouraged the establishment of a port, the second largest in the country, which paid off at the beginning of the 18th century. With the development of trade with Africa and the Americas, which also included the slave trade, the city of Slashela capitalized and prospered. In the 19th century, 40 percent of world trade passed through it – the peak of its economic prosperity. For this reason, it was badly bombarded in the Second World War, was rehabilitated but suffered from a high unemployment rate and negative immigration. The point of light and comfort then and now, is the local football, with two overwhelming luxury clubs: the blues of Everton and the reds of Liverpool. in the city museuma moving video is shown with a strong sentence claiming that the fans determine the team’s values.

The gray working-class city we met years ago has made room for progress and development. In 2008, it was chosen as the European City of Culture, an annual title that moved between the cities of the European Union before Brexit. For a year, the city presented cultural life and cultural development and won huge investments – 750 million pounds, to upgrade its face and renovate the center. The rising star made an image upgrade and in 2023 hosted the Eurovision Song Contest. In its large area there are other working-class neighborhoods of the past, with small, red two-story houses The city center, on the other hand, is modern and lively and has a pedestrian street with arms and most of the sites around it Tourism so everything is accessible on foot.

The city is divided into quarters and the pedestrian street It is a shopping temple with plenty of shops, shopping centers and ONE mall the known There is always action here, shows by artists, stalls and preachers of all kinds. To the east stretches a bold pedestrian street (Bold) and in it chic second-hand shops. It is also a culinary artery with food from around the world that testifies to the waves of immigration that did not pass by here. to the south of it stretches Nightlife district which offers a tumultuous entertainment scene. It is a university city full of students and when we arrived inThe night of Halloween celebrations the streets were full of costumes and the city center hosted a huge street party.

A little east lies Chinatown and at the entrance (Nelson Street) there is a colorful and authentic Chinese arch, the largest outside of China (an honor!), In Liverpool the oldest Chinese community lives in Europe and in a row of restaurants. In front of the arch on Duke St.Upper Duke st) toAnglican Cathedral, which boasts one of the tallest bell towers in Europe. It is not a mandatory site, but the architecture of the building has tremendous power. another cathedral, The Metropolitanon the street Mount Pleasantis built in a modern style and includes a stained glass window that is considered the largest in the world and is adjacent to the University of Liverpool. There is also a Jewish point in the city, in the image A Spanish synagogue Magnificent, built at the end of the 19th century in Byzantine style and claiming the title of the most beautiful synagogue in Europe. Due to its remoteness, we were unable to reach it, but it is said that its beauty is dazzling and it is closed because there are no Jews or prayers.

Liverpool developed into a maritime power because it made intelligent use of the port that was spread along Mersey River. Next to many wharves, the first wet inspection in the kingdom was established, and the ships were received through closed internal canals. The wealth brought technological progress including the world’s first hydraulic lifting cranes. the-Royal Albert Dockthe famous dock from those days, is considered an iconic, physical, architectural, economic and political landmark. The beautiful buildings, made of red bricks, house restaurants, museums, shops, cafes and hotels. Every Saturday, the first of the month, is hosted at the dock Farmers’ and artists’ fair Plenty of food stalls, agricultural produce, handicrafts and more. The city continues the tradition of cultural events and when we visited there was a joyful light festival on the dock and in other parts.

Around the port there are several museums, except for three for a fee (The musical experience, the Beatles and the Beatles story), a free permit to encourage cultural consumption: The Maritime Museum at Albert Dock Presents maritime history alongside fascinating items. The International Slavery Museum sheds light on the dark phenomenon. Tate Gallery The old colony is slightly north due to renovations. Liverpool City Museum Tells its story starting with the first settlers through a glimpse of nature, art, the military, famous townspeople and of course music and sports legends. World Museum Located on the other side of the city, five floors of science and space, nature, culture and history displays. his neighbor, The art gallery Offers exhibitions of local artists alongside British works in painting, sculpture, ceramics, fashion, etc. The wealth and variety are not burdensome and it is pleasant to wander at ease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South of Albert Dock rises Ferris wheela lovely attraction next to the arena that hosts shows. From the north you meet three buildings that seem to have come out of a pompous medieval catalog the three graces (The Three Graces), symbols of the city, were built on the bank of the river thanks to wealth and abundance and welcomed those coming from the river with imperialist grandeur befitting a kingdom. in the head Royal Labor (Royal Liver Building), there are two huge copper birds – the real symbol of the city. Another statue stands in front of the Hesedim and is more attractive, The Fantastic Four members of the Beatles Life size casts. The Mersey River also offers a variety of types of boating and the departure point is further down.

 

 

 

 

 

You will never walk alone

The merry 60s raised the profile of the city that exploded with the band of beetles. Liverpool is proud of its four talented sons, sanctifying all the places they set foot in: homes, educational institutions and clubs where they were present, wrote, played and sang. As the cradle of pop music, entrepreneurs in the city maximize sympathy and the industry generates capital. Matthew Streetfor example, the abode of The Cabernet Club The mythical Cavern, where the four started their careers, is incredibly commercialized and lined with pubs and tourist traps. The street is short and colorful, saturated with graffiti, and is the home of The Beatles Museum. The museum that occupies three floors is a temple for fans of the band with documentation, photographs, items and videos. The cabaret club requires an entrance fee (£5) for live shows and bears little resemblance to the original, a vaulted cave-like space remaining. The venue has been expanded to give a stage to young and other cover bands. Frances, one of the managers claims that the club attracts visitors of all ages and from all over the world because “the Beatles like Shakespeare is classic and timeless.” The Beatles have another museum.The Beatles story‘ at Albert Dock and mainly various items owned by John Ringo, Paul and George from musical instruments to costumes. In one of the Hasedim buildings is found British Music Experience Museum. In the wide entrance space there is a screen showing holograms of various bands. From there we embark on a chronological journey following British pop music. From the 1940s to today includes stories, exhibits, costumes and interactive spaces such as a dance hall and a ‘Gibson’ hall with musical instruments for a personal experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a supportive and somewhat crazy family, Liverpool for us is a team that is in the heart and in general football in the city is seen as a religion, and it doesn’t matter which team you support. In the Anfield of the Reds, a magnificent football club has grown, full of achievements and local, European and world championships. For hardcore fans, gaming is a culture and a family experience that starts with a beer (or two or more) with friends. onThe Albert Pub Near Anfield, the home stronghold, locals and foreigners gather, drink and roar morale songs accompanied by a guitar player and the atmosphere is electrifying. Outside the stadium stage with performances and in the Anfield neighborhood wakes up before every game, home pubs in the courtyards offering beer and food stalls and sometimes also live viewing screens. They also have some nice hostels, for those who want to stay close to the action.

Anfield Stadium It’s a different opera and in front of German Leverkusen in the Champions League we shared a seat next to 80-year-olds and their grandchildren, we wrapped ourselves in scarves and hats, we sang the anthem You’ll never walk a lone, like it was a hymn of praise and we cheered continuously. There is something contagious in the atmosphere and even when it doesn’t work, people clap their hands (after juicy curses, of course). At the end of a weak half, the LADS woke up (The boys) and we got a fine football show and a crazy 4:0.

 

 

 

 

And finally, one of the ways to get to know a new city is to join a free guided tour and Liverpool also has several of these in a selection of topics. The tourist office has information on sites, activities and events (wall street near the ONE mall) or on the municipal website.