Catalytic converter comprises a carrier having exhaust gas passages therein, a lower catalytic layer coated over the carrier and comprising hollow oxide powder loaded with catalytic metal, and an upper catalytic layer coated over the lower catalytic layer, directly exposed to exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust gas passages and comprising solid oxide powder loaded with catalytic metal. The hollow oxide powder may be ceria or alumina base oxide. Further it may be mixed oxide such as Ce—Zr mixed oxide or La contained alumina as well.