St Andrew’s Cathedral

The St Andrew's Cathedral, in Sydney

The St Andrew's Cathedral is the oldest cathedral of Australia, raised in the nineteenth century in a fine neo-Gothic style recalling the churches of England. The Sydney audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary built in Sydney sandstone between 1837 and 1868, whose interior shelters a remarkable pipe organ and a Gothic decoration imbued with grandeur.

The oldest cathedral of Australia

Here you are in front of the oldest cathedral of Australia, to be discovered with respect. Built between 1837 and 1868, it reveals a very beautiful neo-Gothic style that recalls that of the churches of England, heritage of the British presence. A first project of cathedral had come into being from 1819, but it was soon abandoned for lack of funding. A new project began twenty years later, on another site, and it is some thirty years later that the St Andrew's Cathedral was finally opened to worship. Inside, in the calm conducive to contemplation, you discover a remarkable pipe organ, used for recitals and sacred concerts, as well as a fine Gothic-style decoration, magnified by the Sydney sandstone that gives the whole an impression of grandeur and serenity. Its slender vaults, its coloured stained-glass windows and its golden stones invite to contemplation and silence. An Anglican cathedral still in activity, it remains a high place of the spiritual life of the city, hosting services, prayers and great moments of the community. Located in the heart of Sydney, facing the Town Hall, it offers a striking contrast with the modern animation that surrounds it. A historic sanctuary and the oldest cathedral of the country, the St Andrew's Cathedral is discovered with respect.

What to see

Here you discover, with respect, the oldest cathedral of Australia, raised in Sydney sandstone between 1837 and 1868 in a fine neo-Gothic style inspired by the churches of England; inside, a remarkable pipe organ, coloured stained-glass windows and a Gothic decoration imbued with grandeur, in the calm conducive to contemplation. The St Andrew's Cathedral is a historic sanctuary of Sydney. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The St Andrew's Cathedral lies in the heart of Sydney, facing the Town Hall, reachable on foot or by transport. An Anglican place of worship, it can be visited with respect; entry and hours follow the conditions in force and may be restricted during services. It is best to enquire before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the St Andrew's Cathedral of Sydney remarkable?

Because it is the oldest cathedral of Australia, raised in Sydney sandstone between 1837 and 1868 in a fine neo-Gothic style inspired by the churches of England; a first project of 1819 had been abandoned for lack of funding. Inside, it shelters a remarkable pipe organ and a Gothic decoration imbued with grandeur, to be discovered with respect.

Where is the St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney?

In the heart of Sydney, facing the Town Hall, in Australia.