St Mary’s Cathedral
St Mary’s Cathedral is the spiritual home of Sydney’s Catholic community. It is easily accessible via tram/train and a short walk from St. James or Martin Place stations.
The Cathedral stands on the site of the first Catholic Chapel in Australia. The original chapel burnt down in 1865. In its place, this beautiful Gothic Revival Cathedral (reminiscent of Europe’s medieval cathedrals) was built using local Sydney sandstone.
ABOUT THE CATHEDRAL
The second largest Cathedral in the country, (St Patrick’s of Melbourne is shorter but its spires are taller) St Mary’s is 107m long. The width of the Nave is 24.3 metres. The ceiling height is 22.5 metres. The height of the central tower is 46.3 metres and the front towers and spires soar over 74 metres.
St Mary’s is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney. As you approach St Mary’s, you will see many features on the outside of the building. The flying buttresses of the chancel and nave; the menacing figures of the gargoyles staring down at you. Upon entry, St Mary’s Cathedral offers a spiritual experience by its sheer size, architecture and beautiful pontific features, whether you’re religious or not. If you love history or architecture, the building and its interior will offer interesting discoveries.
MASS and THE FAMOUS CHOIR
Mass is held daily at 6:45am, 1:10pm and 5:30pm. The Cathedral is open from 6.30am to 6.30pm daily. It is free and open to the public (donations appreciated). See more Visitor Information
The Choir of St Mary’s Cathedral is internationally recognised as one of the best choirs in the world and is asked to tour regularly. If you want to listen to live music, St Mary’s Cathedral offers the opportunity to do this on a daily basis, or via the many concerts and recitals it hosts.
COOK & PHILLIP PARK
In addition, the Cathedral’s tiled forecourt and the adjacent Cook and Phillip Park host many Sydney seasonal events including ice-skating in winter and the Sydney Festival outdoor concerts and events during the summer months. Plus it’s always beautiful to see the gorgeous Christmas Lights sparkle from the beginning of December.
Adjacent and below the Cathedral forecourt lies the Cook and Philip Leisure and Aquatic Park – housing an underground heated 8 lane 50m lap pool, as well as a hydrotherapy pool and leisure pool perfect for year round swimming including a wave machine which is lots of fun for both adults and children. There is also access to squash courts for hire and basketball court stadium, gym and wellness facilities are all onsite.
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