The Hoddle Grid was the City design that created serviced alleyways that have now become Melbourne's famous laneways with food stalls, restaurants, cafes, night spots and murals. There are over 900 laneways in Melbourne. The Gold Rush in the 1850s, made Melbourne the World's richest city and the wealth afforded the resources to construct the ornate buildings featuring Victorian, Georgian, Italian and French architecture and design.
The Block Arcade is renowned for its opulent 19th-century architecture and boutique retailers. Opened in 1892, it is famous for its intricate mosaic tile floors, sweeping glass-domed ceiling, and richly decorated shopfronts.
Gayle and I were here, with only the holiday preventing us for visiting more shops, even though those aren't the main attraction. A couple interesting things we learned:
- "Doing the Block" is a historic Melbourne social ritual from the 1860s-1930s, where fashionably dressed residents promenaded the section of Collins Street between Elizabeth and Swanston Streets to "see and be seen". It was a vibrant display of wealth, often featuring carriage rides and visits to shops. Hence the name of this arcade.
- The historic clock known for its refined design, Roman numerals, and decorative buglers flanking the sides. read more