At the other end of Hope Street is the dramatic modern Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral.
Visitors to this incredible building are initially taken aback as pools of multi-coloured light bathe the interior, as rays of sun stream through thousands of panes of coloured glass in the tower.
The cathedral was originally designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, but his plans were for a huge domed building of a classical design.
Increased costs and the ravages of World War II meant a rethink was called for, and the more contemporary design that is still admired today was finished in 1967.
The circular tower, topped with thin spires, represents the Crown of Thorns.
