Saint Mary's Cathedral

Saint Mary's Cathedral is a grand architectural achievement

Gothic Revival Architecture of St. Mary's Cathedral
Gothic Revival Architecture of St. Mary's Cathedral cc licensed photo by 4nitsirk

Saint Mary's Cathedral has evolved into a grandiose Sydney landmark over a a period of over 130 years. Situated along the east side of Hyde Park in the Central Business District it is visible from many different vantage points. It is also Australia's largest church.

Featuring Gothic Revival architecture along the lines of the smaller and older St Andrew's Cathedral, the first stone for this beautiful Sydney landmark was laid back in 1868 after a succession of Catholic Churches, some of which were destroyed by fire. The Cathedral was finally dedicated in 1882, but it was only a portion of what it is today. The nave was not completed until 1928 followed by the crypt in 1961. And last, but not least the large spires on to of the two towers were not added until the year 2000 in order to improve the aesthetics of the previously square topped towers.

While the design of St. Mary's Cathedral is original it certainly inherits many features typical of far more medival churches from Europe. Due to the size of the project and the available location the Cathedral is oriented north-south breaking the tradition of east-west orientation.

Forty pictorial stained glass windows and striking mosaic floors along with a myriad of other fine details complete this elegant and grand Cathedral.

Nearby attractions: Hyde Park, Hyde Park Barracks Museum and the Australian Museum.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No

Saint Mary's Cathedral Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Thursday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Friday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Address: St Marys Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Phone: (02) 9220 0400

Official Website: Saint Mary's Cathedral

Saint Mary's Cathedral Reviews

Rated 4.8 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating I love this cathedral. I have been going to this cathedral for over 50 years and have seen great changes internally and externally. It remains a great respite from the busyness outside. It's a place for almost silent prayer and devotion, though there are many more tourists these days who are on the whole very respectful of this sanctuary. The stained glass is beautiful, the atmosphere is respectful, and if you happen to be there when the organ is playing, you're in for a treat. Such a beautiful sound. The 10.30am Mass there on Sunday is what they call a High Mass so there is lots beautiful singing and organ playing and incense of course.
Mark Leary - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating If you are in Sydney during the Christmas time, this is a must-go place. Please go, it is really great. I am not a Christian but enjoyed my visit. Went inside the cathedral, so many beautiful statues. The best thing outside Christmas carols then followed by Christmas songs. Finally the pinnacle that they project lights into the cathedral, that was great. I will add some images for everyone to see.
Pasindu Ranasinghe - 3 months ago

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4 Star Rating There is no entrance fee to the Cathedral. Entry to St Mary’s Cathedral is free and open to the public. However a donation towards the upkeep and cleaning of the Cathedral is appreciated. Free guided tours every Sunday at 2pm. This tour meets at the Cathedral Shop internal entrancefree guided tours every Sunday at 2pm. This tour meets at the Cathedral Shop internal entrance. Gothic-style Catholic cathedral built of local sandstone from 1868-1928, offering mass & exhibits. 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. The Cathedral is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Immaculate Mother of God, Help of Christians. A visitor to St Mary’s will see many features on the outside of the building: the flying buttresses of the chancel and nave; the canopies and statues in the northern gable, the text of the Ave Maria and other invocations carved high up on the walls; the many carved saintly heads which gaze benignly down, and, way up on the towers and turrets, the more menacing figures of the gargoyles. Moving inside the church through the main doors, the eye is drawn forward, along the length of the nave, toward the white pinnacles of the High Altar Screen, and the rich colours of the Great North Window beyond. The columns of the main arcade are of the same warm sandstone as the exterior and interior walls, which have also been used in the vaulted ceilings of the side aisles and chapels.
Annia Lee - a month ago

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4 Star Rating St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and stained glass windows. It’s a peaceful and historic site located in Hyde Park. The cathedral is accessible for people with disabilities, with ramps and elevators available. While it’s impressive, it can get busy, and some might find the interior less ornate compared to other grand cathedrals. It’s still worth visiting for its architectural and historical value.
Sami Ra - 3 months ago

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Directions

Train Line Nearest Station Walking Time
T2, T3 or T8St. James Station1 minute

How to get to Saint Mary's Cathedral by Train

By Train: St. James Station exits at Hyde Park just west of the Cathedral. Simply walk through the park to get to St. Mary's.

By Bus: Bus 333 runs up and down Elizabeth Street through the CBD. You can disembark at St. James Station and proceed as above.

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