Why does coventry have a new cathedral

Year: Duration: 7 years. Cost: Unknown. Country: Coventry, UK. What did this project achieve? It replaced the 14 th century St Michael's Cathedral, destroyed in a German air raid in Architect Basil Spence's radical modernist design for the new building caused controversy when it was revealed in Modernism rejected the neo-classicalism common for many Victorian churches and instead used new construction technologies such as steel and reinforced concrete.

The cathedral is It's famous for its unusual spire, known as a fleche — the French word for arrow. The spire rises to 90m and is the tallest structure in Coventry. Other well-known features are a huge tapestry designed by artist Graham Sutherland and the Great West Window, which is suspended from the roof. A Channel 4 poll in voted Coventry cathedral the best loved building of the 20 th century.

As might be expected with a place of worship, the cathedral is credited with having made a spiritual as well as a physical difference. The building is home to 'the Coventry Way' described as 'a way of living and praying' based on reconciliation.

It was Sir Basil who insisted that the ruins remain untouched to serve the purpose for a garden of remembrance, and the two cathedrals should stand side by side. Inside the new cathedral, some of the main features are the large tapestry of Jesus Christ, designed by Graham Sutherland, and the sculpture of Mater Dolorosa.

The window, designed by John Piper, is an abstract design that occupies the full height of the bowed baptistery with a total of colourful panes. As well as being a scared memorial space for the city, the cathedral also moonlights as a backdrop for open-air events, such as parties, musical performances and theatre productions.

From time to time, the grounds are even used for film productions, most notably British Christmas movie Nativity! However, the cathedral also serves the function of a normal church, holding services for Sunday mass and hosting community events. To this day, the Cathedral Church of St Michael tells a tale of resurrecting from the ashes to a triumphant return. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements.

To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". The old cathedral is open to visitors daily, free of charge, though there is a fee for climbing the cathedral tower.

There is also a charge for visiting the new cathedral. Most photos are available for licensing, please contact Britain Express image library. Heritage Rated from 1- 5 low to exceptional on historic interest. Coventry, Holy Trinity Church - 0. Coventry Cross - 0. Coventry Council House - 0. Coventry, St Mary's Priory - 0. Coventry, Lychgate Cottages - 0.

Coventry, Medieval Stone Building - 0. More self catering near Coventry Cathedral. More Hotels near Coventry Cathedral. More bed and breakfasts near Coventry Cathedral. The Granary at Fawsley. This Northamptonshire retreat is the perfect place to get away for business or pleasure situated in an ideal location.

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Coventry history Timeline On this day Search this site:. Michael's - Coventry's New Cathedral: Introduction 2. This page: St.