Do you love cathedrals? I do!! 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. read more

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Copy and pasted from their website: "St Mary's Cathedral stands 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. read more

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Slipped into the cathedral a few days before Christmas. The air was filled with the scent of pine from the dozen lit Christmas trees flanking the sanctuary. In one of the back chapels, a large life sized nativity was set up. I bet midnight service was glorious. The current cathedral architecture is 19th century Gothic Revival, and was started in 1868. Built using the local stones - sandstone, Oamaru stone, marble, alabaster, and Moruya granite. It wasn't fully completed until 2000 when the final two spires were added. The interior has the typical high central nave with side buttresses. The ceiling is red cedar. The chancel is vaulted with huge timbers. The warm color of the wood contrasts elegantly with the stone. The screen behind the altar has been delicately carved from Oamaru limestone from New Zealand. The two large chapels are Chapel of the Sacred Heart and the Chapel of the Irish Saints. The embellished mosaics floor were laid by Melocco Co. 1937 The beauty and elegance of this cathedral rivals many European ones. And seeing it decked out for Christmas was truly a treat. read more

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While visiting I constantly heard go check out this amazing light and music show on the outside of this church. St Marys is this beautiful historical church with all these gorgeous stained glass windows. Walking distance from Hyde Park. Large area near the church steps, with bleachers, food vendors and live music. All leading up to the main event at dark. Yea nice it was dark, the light and music show starts. It was incredible. So bright against the blue night sky. I took a few photos but I honestly sat there in awe of this show. Well worth it... and it's free! read more

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Beautiful church in the heart of the city. The grounds are well kept and the statues are great. I happened to wander in during their lunchtime Lenten service and the church was pretty full. I was able to roam a bit in the back but definitely made sure to not bother the actual worshipers. Luckily there was a mom with a toddler towards the back so cute child was getting the attention not me. Whew. The baptismal area is gorgeous and the fallen soldier remembrance is very realistic and sad. If I wasn't supposed to take photos, I didn't see the signage. Sorry. Wonderful spot to stop and be still and let the volume of the building lift your spirits. read more

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Great church. Quickie 30 min mass and not crowded like many of the neighboring churches because they offer several mass times each day w the choir performing at the 530 mass mon-thurs while school is in session. However, weirdly, we were wandering around taking a few pics and we were told we weren't allowed to by a security guard out of respect, religious reasons -- even though many other ppl were. He didn't care to elaborate on what these reasons were and I have no idea what these reasons are because I take pics at all sort of churches and i'm pretty catholic and have never heard of this... who knows. read more

St Mary's Cathedral - Waiting for the kickoff - Churches Near Me - Sydney, NSW

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St. Mary's Cathedral is an amazing church to see in Sydney. It's beautiful, great to take pictures of, and it's perfect for the people you just want to just relax and walk through a peaceful place with no one making noise. Just make sure you stay quiet the entire time. No raising your voice or even anything above a whisper. It was great to visit this church after a long day touring the city because I got tired of the busy city of Sydney. read more

The building is beautiful. My family took a ton of pictures beside the fountain and at the park. read more

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This was the last building I visited on my trip to Sydney and it was a great thing to experience. It's a nice and historic building with some great gothic elements and style. It's a large cathedral and a great place to see from the outside and inside. I was briefly inside to experience a little of it and it was very serene...it was great way to meditate or focus since it's dark and quiet inside. The lighting and stained-glass windows add a nice touch to this great building. This place is definitely worth a visit! read more

Pretty historical church in the middle of the city, walking distance from Hyde park. If you want a relaxing day, strolling around this area and the church can bring bliss. The church itself is very beautiful and even more so as you enter the halls. read more

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I needed to get away from it all, I had some time to kill as I was just waiting in Hyde Park for work to begin. My mind was all mixed up and in need of a bit of detangling, I decided to make a trip to St. Mary's Cathedral. I'd been there before on a school excursion and, like many school excursions, I had very little interest in it. "Stop trying to educate me! I'm a rebel!" I'm not a religious person, I never have been. Yes I was raised catholic, but only slightly, I attended all of the catholic rituals such as Holy Communion and a Catholic school. I was baptised. But it was never an important thing. The first thing you feel as you enter the old cathedral is an incredible sense of peace and calm. It's silent and everyone inside, on pue or on knees, is thinking, reflecting and some even praying. It's the only cathedral in Sydney that I'm aware of that could even hold its own against some of those landmark structures overseas, St Paul's Cathedral (You have to pay to get in and the Sacre Couer (Which wins based on pure geography.)My Cathedral experience is severely limited. There are information stands throughout the back of the church, you can pray to your various saints and to God, but most of all it's a place to just wander about wondering about wonderful things, or not so wonderful. Like a religious library with no books. No one dares raise their voice above a whisper and right in the heart of the CBD, this is a welcome change and reason enough to go, if for nothing else to escape the loud frenetic buzz of Sydney's busy streets. read more

St Mary's Cathedral - Churches Near Me - Sydney, NSW

So now that I'm safely beyond the authorities of St. Mary's Cathedral I can admit that I (gasp) took pictures while inside this absolute GEM. I really tried to be good, I promise I did...but it's just so lovely and "old world" in here that I just couldn't resist. Whether you are here to pray or just to marvel at the stained glass, the statues, and altars, you will be glad you visited. And the price is right too: free :-) read more

The architecture of this church is beautiful. It's large but not ridiculously massive. You are able to enter and roam around when there is not a mass. Even if there is one going on, you are more than welcome to sit in and listen. You are allowed to take pictures quietly on the outsides, however the middle section is only for prayer. read more

Hands up who's been to many churches all around the world, from St Peter's in the Vatican City to St Paul's in London, but has never stepped inside of a church in their home town? I thought I'd rectify this by visiting St Mary's on an afternoon in the city. St Mary's is quite old (as far as churches in Australia go), with the foundation stone of the present church laid in 1868, nearly 150 years ago, although it was firstly the site of the Catholic Church of Sydney from 1821. Construction, however, wasn't completely finished until 2000, when the originally planned spires were finally added. Inside, there isn't the mass of paintings like in many European churches, but still the series of paintings on the crucifixion, stained glass windows, and magnificent yellow tinted windows high up in the roof are fairly inspiring. I particularly loved the ceiling in the centre of the church. The downside is there isn't much on the history of the church onsite, with most of the above facts listed on the Wikipedia page. There are historical displays downstairs in the crypt, along with some of the early bishops of Sydney, but I didn't buy a ticket (not that anyone was checking at the gate) and don't know how much it costs. read more

St Mary's Cathedral - Ceiling in the centre of the church - Churches Near Me - Sydney, NSW

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Sydney is notable for its absence of churches. However, St. Mary's helps to make up for what Sydney lacks in quantity with quality. Across the road from the relaxing confines of Hyde Park, St Mary's is majestic, powerful and welcoming at the same time. Inside, beautiful stain-glassed windows cast coloured shadows on the tiled floors. The church is home to some stunning altars, paintings and artefacts. This is a place for quite reflection, a comforting oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Entry is free, and it is well worth a visit to learn more about Sydney's history and religion. read more

Even if I wasn't of the Catholic faith I think I would find this church breathtaking. It sort of conjures up images of Baz Lurhmann's 'Romeo and Juliet' - it has the same sort of majesty. The Cathedral holds a lot of history in its walls - everything from the bells, the art, the architecture, the organ even the lighting has some significance. To behold this place in all it's glory head here at Easter time or for midnight mass on Christmas eve - the choirs are singing and the Cathedral is full to the brim with people in good spirits. That said even on an idle Saturday the Cathedral is open so you can wander in casually to take a peak. read more

This is a beautiful Catholic cathedral located right next to Hyde park. The architecture is just amazing.

beautiful stained glass windows w/ enormous confessional....before i lived in europe i thought this was quite big....especially since 200 year old structures are considered old in the states ~*~ this would be what i call modernly historic...somewhere between the old burnt rebuilt history of europe and the super modern...kind of like the new england of the US...eastern coast read more

I'm against organised religion, but I'm all for decent architecture, so I'm a fan of St Mary's. At almost 130 years old, it's pretty old for an Australian building, and it definitely has an elegance about it that many Sydney buildings lack. I've never been inside, mainly due to the fact I'm not catholic, and I've been inside enough impressive cathedrals in my time to get an idea of what they look like. I'm all about the aesthetic pleasure of the exterior! And it's very pleasurable! read more