(Visited 12/16/24 MO @ 9:00am): Please be a saint, and let me into your cathedral, Paul!…read more
A friend and I were on Day 3 of our 12-Day Southern Australia Explorer cruise with Princess Cruises, we took the local train into town, and our first official stop (at my request) was St. Paul's Cathedral. If you knew me, I loved to visit all sorts of religious landmarks around the world but mainly places of worship from cathedrals, churches, duomos, synagogues, etc. On the former site of Melbourne's first public Christian service (1836), then a corn market (1836-1848), followed by St. Paul's Parish Church (1848-1885), St. Paul's Cathedral was finally consecrated on January 22, 1891 with future developments up to today. Needless to say, this place has been a cornerstone and heart of Melbourne during the city's growth. Was I impressed by St. Paul's Cathedral as others I've experienced around the world!?
PURCHASE
I was hoping to leave an offering, but the doors were locked; apparently, the church opened at 10:00am - harumph!!
SERVICE
None to speak of this on this particular visit.
PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance)
I noticed an onsite parking lot at the back but was unsure whether or not it was for the cathedral. However, there appeared to be a decent amount of parking on all surrounding streets (please note any posted signs), and of course the wonderful public transportation such as the tram system which we conveniently took and then walked the rest of the way - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Based solely on the exterior of the cathedral, it was a gorgeous Neo-Gothic architecture reminiscent of the many grand cathedrals seen throughout Europe. I loved the three ornate spires https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=6p05qor8kdQB9KoA4Ini-w that rose like a crown, the beautiful (and cleaned) stone blocks https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=7D4Q9skS7wbQDkSC3exUeQ that built the walls, and just the simple grandeur https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=ZJa4193qPttABXcs1uZm9Q of it all. A statue of Capt. Matthew Flinders https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=SnXXM_Th67hfkewenF7TUg played a prominent focal point on the lawn as it faced toward the street. Sadly, I wasn't able to explore the interior at all, which looked awesome from pictures I've seen. I imagined a good amount of natural lighting entered through the many large stained-glass windows while minimal electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. I'd say there weren't any TVs while church music would be in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=D-6HtokfRT7N23kyYK8uuQ
ATTIRE
Out of respect, I'd put on a buttoned-up shirt, pants, and shoes. However, since I was traveling and on vacation, I would likely be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I loved the exterior of St. Paul's Cathedral, and was bummed to not be able to see the interior on this trip. Needless to say, I was still impressed with the minimum amount of exposure I had. I wished we circled back later in the day with hopes of going inside. Otherwise, I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $0.00AUD / $0.00USD BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, I was unaware whether or not they accepted my credit card of choice (for donations and givings)... AMEX! 4.0 STARS
