Which city has three cathedrals?

Coventry has the unique distinction of having had three cathedrals throughout its history.

Coventry's Three Cathedrals

The English city of Coventry is notable for its succession of three cathedrals over the past millennium. This historical lineage makes it a city with a rich ecclesiastical past, showcasing resilience and architectural evolution through different eras.

A Historical Overview

Over approximately 1000 years, Coventry has been home to three significant cathedral structures, each playing a crucial role in its religious and architectural heritage. These include:

• The 12th-century Priory Church of St Mary: This was Coventry's original cathedral, established as part of a Benedictine priory. Its dissolution in the 16th century led to its eventual ruin.
• The Medieval Parish Church Cathedral of St Michael: Following the destruction of the Priory Church, the existing Parish Church of St Michael was elevated to cathedral status. This magnificent medieval structure was largely destroyed during the Coventry Blitz in World War II.
• The Modern Coventry Cathedral (also named for St Michael): Consecrated in 1962, this striking contemporary structure was built adjacent to the ruins of the medieval cathedral. It stands as a powerful international symbol of peace and reconciliation.

To learn more about the current cathedral, visit the Coventry Cathedral website.

This sequence of cathedrals highlights Coventry's enduring religious importance and its resilience through various historical periods, adapting and rebuilding in response to significant historical events.