The World famous Coventry Cathedral

Ages

All

Venue

Coventry Cathedral Priory Street Coventry CV1 5EX

Cost

Free, but donations are welcome.

Website

https://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/

Opening hours

Cathedral: Daily, 10am-4pm
Tower: Saturdays, 11am-3pm
Blitz Museum: Saturdays, late February-mid-October, and weekdays during Coventry school holidays

Coventry Cathedral: A Symbol of Reconciliation and Peace

Coventry Cathedral is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Opened in 1962, the cathedral is a striking example of modern architecture and a symbol of reconciliation and peace.

The original St Michael’s Cathedral was destroyed in the Coventry Blitz of 1940. The decision to build a new cathedral was made the very next day, and the two buildings now stand side-by-side, a reminder of the past and a testament to the human spirit.

The new cathedral’s design was controversial at first, but it has since become a widely admired landmark. The cathedral is known for its soaring spire, its stunning stained glass windows, and its tapestry of Christ, which is thought to be the largest tapestry in the world.

Visitors to the cathedral can climb the tower for stunning views of the city, explore the ruins of the old cathedral, and visit the Blitz Museum, which tells the story of the city’s wartime bombing.

The cathedral is free to enter, but visitor donations are crucial in enabling the cathedral to continue offering free admission in the long term.

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Here are some of the things you can do at Coventry Cathedral:

Climb the Cathedral Tower for the best view in Coventry
Visit the Blitz Museum to learn more about the Coventry Blitz
Explore the ruins of the old cathedral
Attend a worship service or concert
See an art exhibition or other event
Purchase souvenirs at the Welcome Desk or Cathedral Tower gift shop

Admission: Free, but donations are welcome.

Coventry Cathedral, located in the heart of the city of Coventry, England, stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, reconciliation, and the enduring human spirit. With a history that bears witness to both the devastating impact of war and the inspiring capacity for rebuilding and forgiveness, Coventry Cathedral has become an iconic representation of hope and unity.

The story of Coventry Cathedral

The story of Coventry Cathedral begins with the original medieval structure, St. Michael’s Cathedral, built in the 14th century. This Gothic masterpiece served as a place of worship for centuries until the night of November 14, 1940, during World War II, when the city of Coventry faced a relentless bombing campaign by German forces.

On that fateful night, the city was virtually obliterated, and the cathedral was no exception. The medieval structure was reduced to ruins, leaving behind a haunting reminder of the horrors of war.

The New Coventry Cathedral

In the aftermath of the war, the decision was made not to rebuild the cathedral entirely but to preserve the ruins as a poignant reminder of the consequences of conflict. Adjacent to the ruins, a new cathedral was constructed, designed by Sir Basil Spence and consecrated in 1962.

This modernist masterpiece stands in stark contrast to the remnants of the medieval cathedral, symbolizing the city’s commitment to healing and moving forward.

Coventry Cathedral is not merely a physical structure; it is a living testament to the values of reconciliation and peace. The cathedral has played an active role in promoting understanding and unity, both locally and globally. The Community of the Cross of Nails, an international network of communities committed to reconciliation, originated from Coventry Cathedral. The cross of nails itself, made from three medieval nails found in the cathedral ruins, has become a symbol of forgiveness and healing.

One of the notable features of the new cathedral is the Chapel of Unity, which emphasizes the cathedral’s commitment to fostering harmony among different faiths and communities. The chapel serves as a space for prayer and reflection, inviting people from diverse backgrounds to come together in the spirit of understanding and shared humanity.