With its stunning Gothic style architecture, Australia’s tallest cathedral rises dramatically out of downtown Melbourne.
70 years in the making and named after the patron saint of Ireland, St Patrick’s Cathedral was finally completed in 1939. Built as a place of worship for the city’s Irish Catholic population, it is a stunning example of Gothic revival style architecture. Today St Pat’s, as it’s known locally, attracts visitors of all faiths from all over the world, who come to admire its beauty.It isn’t just the sheer size of the building that immediately catches the eye, but the strong, dark colour of the Australian blue stone that was used as the main stone in its construction along with other materials from across Australia and the rest of the world.Before venturing inside the building, it really is worth spending some time outside, where you can really begin to appreciate what a feat of construction the building is. You can also begin to get a sense of its sheer size. The two spires to the front of the building are some 61 metres high, whilst the single central spire reaches up 105 metres. The building itself is wonderfully ornate. There are statues and fantastic gargoyles including one depicting Jeff Kennett, the popular politician who became Victoria’s 43rd Premier.As soon as you enter through the main doors, you will be met by incredible stained glass windows and a spectacular vaulted ceiling stretching up into the roof. The other feature of note here is the cathedral’s organ, which dates back to the 1870s and is hugely impressive both in its construction and the sound it makes!St Patrick’s Cathedral is open daily with Mass held each day. Guided tours of the building are available or you can choose to wander and look around at your own pace. There is a gift shop on site with a good selection of mementoes and religious goods. Situated just off the main shopping streets in downtown Melbourne and opposite the main terminal of Flinders Street Station, access to the cathedral is easy. Nearby Fitzroy Gardens is a good place to complete your visit with its café, restrooms and playground set in a pretty reserve.
