St Stephen’s Cathedral

St Stephen's Cathedral, the Catholic heart of Brisbane

The Brisbane audio-guided tour stops you before St Stephen's Cathedral, a touch of history and contemplation rare in the city. It is the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, approached with respect.

More than a century of building

Like many cathedrals around the world, its construction spanned more than a century, between the laying of the foundation stone in 1860 and its final additions in the 1980s. Its large dimensions, discussed in the plans several times, made it possible to welcome a growing number of faithful, who until then gathered in the neighbouring chapel designed by Pugin.

What there is to see

The cathedral stands out for its neo-Gothic architecture and its serene interior. With respect for silence, you appreciate the light of the stained glass and the scale of the nave. Beside it stands the Pugin chapel, one of the oldest in the city. The whole forms a precious testimony of the religious heritage of Brisbane.

Practical information

St Stephen's Cathedral is at 249 Elizabeth Street, in central Brisbane. An active Catholic place of worship, it can be visited with respect for silence and services; opening times may vary with celebrations. Access is on the level.

How long did construction take?

Construction spanned more than a century, from the foundation stone in 1860 to the final additions in the 1980s.

What is the Pugin chapel?

It is the chapel next to the cathedral, designed by the architect Pugin, where the faithful gathered before the construction of the great cathedral. It is one of the oldest in Brisbane.