St Patrick’s Cathedral, Gothic grandeur with celestial serenity
1 Cathedral Place, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia
4.3
Introduction
St. Patrick's Cathedral is the principal cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and the tallest church in Australia, located not far from Victoria State Parliament in the center of Melbourne. The Gothic-style building, designed by British architect William Wardell, was opened in 1897. It was not until 1939, in commemoration of the 100-year anniversary of the Roman Catholic Church's mission in Victoria, that the church's three spires were completed. The spires, which are 103 meters high, exhibit Renaissance architectural style and exquisite grandeur. The cathedral is on the traditional east-west axis, with the altar located at the east end of the Latin cross floor plan.
Whenever the Pope visits Australia, St. Patrick's Cathedral is often the only Catholic church he visits and officiates a Mass in within Australia. In 1974, Pope Paul VI declared this church a pontifical shrine. In 1986, Pope John Paul II visited the church.
This cathedral receives the most media coverage out of any church in Melbourne. The Easter prayers, Christmas prayers, and New Year's Eve prayers held here each year are broadcast live on local television stations. Many important figure's funerals and public mourning events for Australian catastrophes victims are often held here as well. In addition, the cathedral is a popular destination for weddings, funerals, and leisurely strolls, attracting many locals and tourists to visit. Address 1 Cathedral Place, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia
Opening hours 9:00 - 17:00 open seven days
Transportation It is a five-minute walk from the eastern end of Chinatown or take any tram passing through Spring Street and walk for five minutes after getting off at Spring Street, or walk for five minutes after getting off at Parliament Station.
Very beautiful church building
