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St. Mary's (The Hidden Gem)

This little traditional Catholic church dates from 1794, making it the oldest purpose-built post-Reformation Catholic church in England. It is an active church, with the largest congregation of any of the city-centre churches in Manchester. Inside is a modern "Stations of the Cross" by Norman Adams that is considered one of the greatest works of art in Manchester. Please remember that this is a place of Roman Catholic worship: modest dress is expected and photography is forbidden. The church is closed to tourists during services.

free

Address: Mulberry Street, M2 6LN.
Getting there: go through an ugly concrete building in Lincoln Square — it really is the hidden gem
Hours: Mon-Thu Fri 9:30AM-4PM, Sat 9:30AM-6PM, Sun 10AM-2PM (services Mon-Fri 12:30PM, Sat noon and 5:15PM, Sun 8:30AM and 1:30PM)
Price: Free
Website: hiddengem.me.uk (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Manchester/Spinningfields-Albert Square, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Manchester Town Hall
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John Rylands Library
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Sun Mon noon-5PM, Tue-Sat 10AM-5PMfree
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St. Ann's Church
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closed Mon, Tue-Fri 11AM-5PM, Sat 11AM-6PM, Sun 8:30AM-6PM. see website for service times.Free
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