ChristChurch Cathedral, Anglican cathedral in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, New Zealand
ChristChurch Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral on Cathedral Square in central Christchurch, built from grey stone with a notable square tower. Pointed arch windows, ribbed vaulting, and colored glass panels define the appearance of this Gothic Revival structure.
Construction started in 1864 and finished only in 1904, making this the first Anglican cathedral in the Canterbury region. The February 2011 earthquake caused the central tower spire to collapse and required extensive repairs.
The name references Christ Church in Oxford, which inspired the city's founders, and the building stands at the heart of public life in Christchurch. Many residents consider it the symbolic center of their city, even during ongoing restoration.
The building remains closed due to restoration work, while the congregation holds services at the temporary Transitional Cathedral nearby. Fencing around the site allows only an exterior view of the damaged facade.
For over 140 years the cathedral survived several earthquakes before the 2011 event brought down the central tower spire. The debate over rebuilding or demolition lasted years and divided the local community.
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