The Symbol of the Cross of Nails

The symbol on the left is a cross made by a priest from three fourteenth-century iron nails which fell from the blazing timber of the roof the morning after the bombing. The symbol was an immediate expression of hope, and of a resolve that there should be a resurrection from the rubble. This resurrection was accomplished in physical terms with the building of the new Cathedral, which was completed and consecrated in 1962.

Symbolically, you can walk down the steps of the ruins and cross over to the new Cathedral under a glass arch.

The facade of the new Cathedral on the right is all clear glass etched with saints and angels, always allowing a view of the ruins. Note: double-click on thumbnail images to enlarge.