Do you love cathedrals? I do!!…read more After seeing St. Mary's Cathedral from the Sydney Tower and several times on the Hop On/Hop Off Bus, I knew that I had to try to visit it on our last day in Sydney. So glad that I was able to spend some time exploring this beautiful spiritual landmark. Located across from Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral is unusual among large cathedrals. Due to its size, the plan of the city and the way the land falls around it, it is oriented in a north-south axis. The cathedral is laid out in a traditional English cathedral plan with a cruciform shape. Love the towers, naves, spires and transepts. The cathedral is constructed in local sandstone. The Gothic Revival style of its architecture pays respect to the great medieval cathedrals of Europe. It was built in phases starting in 1866. The spires were added most recently in 2000. The design draws on many architectural elements. The long nave looks like many medieval English cathedrals while the entrance facade with the twin towers and a central rose window looks more like Notre Dame de Paris, a typical French Gothic cathedral. Walk around the cathedral to see many medieval elements of European Gothic cathedrals. Flying buttresses. Canopies. The text of the Ave Maria. Statues of saints. Towers. Turrets. Menacing gargoyles. Inside the cathedral, you will feel enveloped with the tranquility and richness of the church. As you enter the main doors, you may feel the pull to enter and absorb the stunning views along the length of the nave. The columns and vaulted ceilings of the main arcade are constructed of the same warm local sandstone as the exterior and interior walls. So beautiful. So inviting. Look around to see more saintly statues, chapels and stunning stained-glass windows. Light a candle. Make a donation. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this sacred space in the early morning on a warm summer day. Truly a beautiful and historic cathedral to visit while exploring Sydney.

Copy and pasted from their website: "St Mary's Cathedral…read morestands on the site of the first Catholic Chapel in Australia. Constructed in local sandstone, the Gothic Revival style of its architecture is reminiscent of the great medieval cathedrals of Europe." Quality/Quantity - Beautiful cathedral, both inside and outside. See pictures. Atmosphere - They were having Mass when we arrived, so to not interrupt, we did not stay. But again, what a beautiful cathedral both inside and outside. Copy and pasted from their website, as I can NOT say it better: "The stained-glass windows in the Cathedral were crafted in England, at the Hardman studios of Birmingham, from 1881 onwards. In the area of the Sanctuary and transepts, the windows mostly depict the 15 "mysteries of the Rosary", climaxing in the great north window with the "Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary." The windows in the nave mostly show scenes from the New Testament, and the first four on each side also show notable moments in the history of the Church in Sydney prior to completion of the Cathedral. The 14 large oil paintings of the Stations of the Cross were acquired by Cardinal Moran in 1885 during a visit to Europe, and hung in the aisles near the sanctuary prior to the extension of the Cathedral. In 1997, the Canadian organ builders, Orgues LeTourneau, were commissioned to build a large new organ to be located in the west transept. This splendid 46 stop instrument was installed and blessed just prior to Christmas, 1999." Service - N/A. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since pre 1865, when a fire burned down the previous cathedral.

It is great to find a beautiful, well maintained catholic church; described as being in the…read morespiritual oasis of the city (it could be because this church is surrounded by so many other churches) and the variety of different service times available to suit the busiest of people; so yes there isn't really much of an excuse not to miss church; nor confession for that matter. I mean there are around twelve priests in total; and this is why this is a real full-time church; where it feels like there are services churning around on tap. It gets very busy here at easter more so than Christmas. Have been to their good Friday services with friends, and it is so emotional yet a great church service overall. What I particularly love about this church is not only the beautiful surroundings; but rather the short, sharp and to the point services with communion included. Church services normally go for an hour; yet here at St Patrick's (otherwise known as St Pat's) services normally only last around 20-30 minutes maximum. It is oh so peaceful to come here; pray, listen and relax. Their Tuesday lunchtime meditation sessions aren't too bad either.

This is my first time going to a Catholic Church outside the United States. I came to this church…read moreto celebrate my grand parents 60th anniversary. The priest did an excellent mass for my grand parents. The choir did an great job. The church looks very modern and have very nice decoration. Im very thankful for this church to set and plan this great event for my grand parents. Thank you.......

Such a beautiful small church! My school performed a choir concert here, and it was such a…read morewonderful venue! The interior is so beautiful, it's got plenty of pews and glass stained windows. It doesn't look like much on the outside, but the inside is fantastic.

As a St declan's Parishoner, this has been pretty much my life, the MGL's are the nicest people,…read morethe YMT that run the youth group are really nice and have persuaded me to start a life in religion. Thank you St declans

St Declan's is a beautiful, modern and well maintained church. I attended an anointing ceremony…read more..... it's about Healing and healing from within. I felt at peace and felt very welcomed as an out of towner. It was a happy experience and helped me heal alittle and appreciate life and all its awesome opportunities.

Architecturally, this is a great building and definitely one of the important and recognizable…read morebuildings in Sydney. Located right next to Sydney Town Hall, this cathedral is in great condition and is a unique building with great gothic design. While I didn't get the chance to enter the cathedral, I did admire the exterior of the building. There is some seating outside so it's a great spot to rest, eat, meet or reflect...even in the seating areas outside the cathedral, one can see the bustle of the CBD, but still feel a bit removed from everything...pretty cool!

For those who are here for the architecture, it's a gorgeous building. It's one of the oldest…read morecathedrals in Australia. As a church, it's also lovely. I've been on Sunday evenings. As it's late considering Sunday evening prep, haven't stuck around but sense that it's close knit, but not exclusive. I have always left with great food for thought which is entirely connected to modern society. There is q & a at the end. I'm surprised and impressed that the parishioners are so diverse in age, background, etc as the whole thing really appeals to my ever-questioning side. On Wednesday evenings, they have the healing ministry. This has been such a game changer. Can't fully articulate the positive impact this has had. For me, it is stripped of everything that's generally put me off with church. I love that they have people to pray with you if you wish, without it being overly touchy feely and intrusive. I'm not going to edit this until later because I'm lazy like that.

Such A Beautiful Church. Built Back In The Late 1800's, Saint Benedict's Church Is Your Place For…read moreCatholic Worship.

A small community based catholic church. The sermons aren't too bad, although it is great that they…read morehave gotten shorter and shorter over time; especially because there was a priest there once who dragged the homily on forever. The singers are quite talented; so it is a joy to sing along; especially with their choir at Christmas time. Their service on Christmas Eve every year is so worth going to if you are catholic; especially if you love to sing Christmas Carols. With the latter on their Christmas Eve services; you will be in for a treat as the service starts with back to back Christmas carols for 45 minutes, and then the service finally starts with more carols singing in between. Also it is kind of cute to see the small children dress up as part of the nativity seen; and see them build the manger one by one. Adorable. Expect to see digital cameras in tow for this experience. Otherwise St Joseph's is an ordinary church with average service times and services. Their confession services are to the point and quite relaxing, although not as great as St Patrick's services in the city. Expect to see some friendly and social faces.

What a wonderful addition to our community this Church is. Its design is uncommon for this area and…read moreresembles more of a European architecture.