The 'Charred Cross' was formed by two roof beams that fell in the shape of a cross during the 1940 air raid.
The cathedral's spire, rising 90 meters, is the third tallest in England.
The engraved glass Great West Screen was designed to create an illusion that the ruins and the new cathedral are a single space.
The floor of the modern cathedral contains a 'Zodiac' floor mosaic designed by Einar Forseth.
During the Blitz, the medieval spire survived the bombing while the rest of the nave was largely destroyed.
The bronze statue of St. Michael and the Devil by Jacob Epstein stands on the outer wall near the entrance.
The cathedral holds a replica of the 14th-century 'Coventry Cross'.
The ruins contain a 'Garden of Remembrance' dedicated to peace and reconciliation.
A 'Table of the Word' is situated in the ruins, carved from a single piece of stone salvaged from the rubble.
Coventry Cathedral is unique for pairing the bombed-out shell of a 14th-century Gothic church with a modernist structure completed in 1962. The ruins of the original medieval building remain open to the sky as a memorial to the 1940 Coventry Blitz. Sir Basil Spence designed the new cathedral, which is physically linked to the ruins by a covered porch. The modern interior features the Great West Screen, an expansive wall of engraved glass that reflects the ruins. Notable artworks include Graham Sutherland’s 'Christ in Glory' tapestry, one of the largest of its kind in the world. The Baptistery window by John Piper and the 'Charred Cross' made from salvaged medieval roof timbers are central to the site's identity. The cathedral serves as an active Anglican place of worship and a center for international reconciliation efforts. It is a Grade I listed site that occupies the highest point in the city center.
From the center of the ruins looking toward the Great West Screen, which captures the contrast between the old stone and modern glass.
Walk through the ruins at dusk for a more atmospheric experience.
Look for the wooden 'cross of nails' in the altar area, a symbol of the cathedral's global reconciliation ministry.
Check the notice boards in the ruins for information on scheduled organ recitals or choir rehearsals.
Do not attempt to climb the tower without checking if it is open, as access is seasonally limited and requires a separate booking.
Occasional closures occur for private services, weddings, or large-scale community events; check the website calendar before visiting.
Maintain a quiet demeanor as it is an active place of worship; respect cordoned-off areas during services.
