Coventry and its iconic Cathedral Ruins are an international symbol for peace and reconciliation.
On 14 November 1940, nearly the entire city was destroyed in a German Blitz that reduced the city to rubble and left just the walls of the
Coventry and its iconic Cathedral Ruins are an international symbol for peace and reconciliation.
On 14 November 1940, nearly the entire city was destroyed in a German Blitz that reduced the city to rubble and left just the walls of the beautiful medieval cathedral standing. Coventry’s response was to seek for healing and reconciliation – the words ‘Father Forgive’ were inscribed on the walls of the Ruins. The city has used those events to inspire others to ‘move on’.
Over the years Coventry has formed links with others around the world that have suffered during times of war, such as Hiroshima, Warsaw, Belgrade and Sarajevo. With 26 twinned cities, we have the largest network of any city.
And today, the work for peace continues.
The Cathedral-based Community of the Cross of Nails works in 28 countries; Coventry Universit