Coventry Cathedral
Cathedral Church of St Michael
The Gothic cathedral ruins left by the Second World War bombing stand beside a modernist new cathedral built in 1962, a symbol of reconciliation and renewal.
The old Cathedral Church of St Michael, Coventry, was destroyed in a German air raid in November 1940. Only its outer walls and spire survived, and the ruins were preserved as they were. The charred cross made of roof timbers and the inscription 'Father, Forgive' have become symbols of world peace and reconciliation. Next to the ruins, the new cathedral designed by Basil Spence was completed in 1962 and contains a huge tapestry by Graham Sutherland, a baptistery window by John Piper and sculptures by Jacob Epstein. Entry to the ruins is free, and the new cathedral costs about £12. Visitors can climb the old spire. From Birmingham New Street station, take a train to Coventry in about 20 minutes, then walk about 15 minutes. The Coventry Transport Museum is also nearby.
Opening hours
About 10:00–16:00 (closed during Sunday services)
Nearby sights
- Coventry Transport Museum
- Sarehole Mill
- Balti Triangle
- Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum
- Aston Hall
- Digbeth
- Villa Park
- Bullring & Selfridges