Well, this is Melbourne's Anglican Cathedral, and I've been here a few times, namely because it is probably the one Anglican Church that is large enough for a combined congregation for my church. It is a rather nice old building, though it is certainly nowhere near as old as some of the Cathedrals that I've visited. However, it does have a nice style of its own, being typically 19th Century and all that. In fact, I've even been here for a couple of midnight masses, during the Christmas season of course. Yeah, this church is pretty cool, and does have a real nice charm about it as well. Personally, I can't wait to go back inside and have a wander around. read more

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(Visited 12/16/24 MO @ 9:00am): Please be a saint, and let me into your cathedral, Paul! 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 read more

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My wife and I were surprised to find St. Paul's Cathedral, an Anglican church, in a very busy street area. We were pleasantly surprised at how pretty it was inside. However, I was a bit shocked at ... what seemed like a tribute to those Australians that died in a war. We enjoyed the walk around the inside perimeter of the church. I think this was the prettiest church we saw on our tour of Australia and New Zealand. read more

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St. Paul's Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic Revival cathedral in the centre of Melbourne. So lucky to visit when they were tuning the organ. Amazing to hear. So beautiful. The cathedral was built in 1891. Due to some conflicts with the architect, the spires were not added until 1926 to 1932 and thus look different. Once the central spire was completed, the cathedral was the tallest building in Melbourne until commercial skyscrapers began to be built. St. Paul's Cathedral is built according to a traditional plan, a Latin cross with a long nave, side aisles and towers framing the main entrance. Love the interior sandstone with contrasting bluestone. Since the spires are 40 years younger, they look darker and richer than the rest of the cathedral. The paved floors are stunning. The mosaics are also stunning. Felt like I was in an old cathedral in England. Beautiful Gothic Revival cathedral in central Melbourne. Definitely worth a stop while exploring the city. read more

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No matter if you're religious or not, you should visit this Cathedral. It is stunningly beautiful. If you're lucky like we were today, you may get a quick tour with interesting facts/history. A must-see while in Melbourne! read more

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The flinders st/ Swanston st intersection would not be the same without this landmark building which so beautifully contrasts the surrounding modern architecture with its old style brick work, steeples, and church windows. Both the interior and the exterior of the buidinlg have been beautifully restored in recent years, and whether you are religious or not a wander around is well worth it. There are caretakers who can provide you with information and historical facts, and of course the priest is there too. The church holds regular services a few times a week, but the church is also used for other things too, at times as a music performance venue. I have to say the acoustics make any live act here sound amazing. read more

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Religious views aside, St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the many focal points that tourists visiting Melbourne should see. The architecture is stunning both inside and out and the stained glass doors look AMAZING from the inside. Have a wonder outside, but be sure to go in to experience everything St. Paul's has to offer! read more

Every city we visit, I've told my wife we will probably visit the biggest most beautiful church and at least 1 park. This just happens to be the city's nicest church. We always admire the architecture. read more

I don't believe in God - I'm Agnostic, but you don't have to be a person of religious faith to appreciate St Paul's Cathedral. Why? Make a visit, just to appreciate the absolutely stunning architecture. I have a huge affinity to places that are just gorgeously designed - modern or traditional and as a result, visiting or simply even walking past St Paul's Cathedral with its marvelous structure is a treat for me. Like Stephanie mentioned, Flinders & Swanston would not be the same without this cathedral. It's a little piece of old beautiful Victorian architecture next to modern skyscrapers. What a sight. read more

I am a musician, and as such I'm reviewing the cathedral on its merits as a performance venue. I understand this probably wasn't its intended use, but I think comparing various places of worship on their suitability to worship is a little bit not in the spirit of things. As a musical venue, it's actually pretty much the same as any old cathedral. Same booming acoustic, same uncomfortable pews, same awkward walk up the aisle looking for a good seat to slide into. St Paul's is quite lovely to look at, but, really, I don't see how it distinguishes itself in that respect. Having said that, a performance in such a place is always special. I think it's because anyone who goes inside is instantly dwarfed by the monumental columns and ceilings and that grand altar ahead of them. Don't speak too loudly, it's not right. And yet I'm there to hear music played as loudly and softly as it can be played, watch instruments make sounds that cut through the gaping silence in a way we mere humans did not dare. Go, if you can, or better yet, perform. I'm not a God-fearing sort, neither am I an expert on his Lordship, but if He we to object to these places being used to celebrate music in the ways I've seen, then there'd be something very rotten going on. read more

St. Paul's Cathedral - Churches Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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