THE THREE GRACES

In front of the Pier Head of the Waterfront stand proudly three historic buildings, emblematic of the Liverpuldian skyline. Born at the dawn of the 20th century, they are referred to as the "Three Graces", in the heart of the site classified by UNESCO.

The Port of Liverpool Building was the first to be built in 1907. At its entrance, a statue of Neptune and two globes decorated with dolphins symbolize the maritime power of the city. Today, it is an office building that is not open to the public. You can still have a look at the marble hall and stained glass windows illustrating all the countries of the British Empire. The huge dome is said to have been inspired by an old project for the Anglican Cathedral, which was later abandoned.

The Royal Liver Building was built in 1911. It is certainly the best known of the three for its two Liver birds sitting at the top of each turret. Their history is not without interest: they became allegorical symbols of the city, they were imagined by Carl Bartels, a German naturalized and married to an English woman. During the First World War, he was imprisoned on the Isle of Man and then forced to return to his country of origin, leaving his wife behind. It will take years for him to find his England of heart... Its magnificent birds still dominate the fourth tallest building in Liverpool, which has never ceased to belong to Royal Liver Assurance.

The Cunard Building is the last one, in 1916. It is the headquarters of the Cunard Steamship shipping company, which chartered the transatlantic Britannia in 1840. Later, the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth were drawn there. During the Blitzkrieg, its basement was used as a shelter against air raids. Across the street is Albion House, the former headquarters of the White Star Line, owner of the Titanic...