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 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating A truly amazing beautiful Cathedral I Sydney. The architecture is brilliant weather the inside and the outside of the church . St Mary 's Cathedral is a must visit when in Sydney. Among the many remarkable features are the stained glass windows. A solemn place .
Louie Temp - a week ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney is absolutely breathtaking! The towering spires and intricate details make it a true marvel. Inside, the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful stained glass windows create a sense of serenity. It's a place where you can feel a connection to history and find a moment of quiet reflection. The architecture is stunning, and the cathedral's presence adds to the charm of Sydney. Whether you're admiring it from afar or stepping inside, St. Mary's Cathedral is a must-visit, offering a glimpse into the city's rich heritage and providing a peaceful retreat in the heart of Sydney.
W Y - 2 months ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating I visited this beautiful cathedral earlier this month. The place is beautiful and divine. When you walk in, the buzzing city is behind and you’re in a sanctuary of peace. Simply sitting down and soaking up the vibe will transport you to another world. At the moment, they have beautiful flower gardens at the front square. Well worth a visit while you’re in the city.
Esther Lee - 2 weeks ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney is a breathtaking architectural marvel that exudes a sense of grandeur and spirituality. Attending evening mass there was a serene and uplifting experience, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the stained glass windows and the solemnity of the sacred space. The ethereal music and reverent atmosphere created a truly memorable spiritual encounter. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking solace and inspiration in the heart of the city.
Lakshmi Harish - a week ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Visiting St. Mary's Cathedral was an absolutely enchanting experience. The cathedral exudes a sense of history and grandeur that's truly captivating. Among the many remarkable features, the stained glass windows stood out as the highlight of my visit. The stained glass windows in St. Mary's Cathedral is nothing short of breathtaking. They tell intricate stories through vibrant colors and beautifully crafted scenes, and they fill the interior with a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of light. Each window felt like a work of art, a testament to the skill and dedication of the artists who created them. The experience of being surrounded by such divine illumination and intricate artistry was truly awe-inspiring. It's no wonder that St. Mary's Cathedral is considered a treasure trove of beauty and history. If you ever find yourself in Sydney, I highly recommend a visit to this magnificent place. It's a journey into both the spiritual and artistic heritage of the city.
AMY MUNNS - 4 months ago

Show More
Show Less

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.

Map & Instant Route Finder

Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.

Finding Your Route - Please Wait

Accommodations near Saint Mary's Cathedral:

Photo Gallery

Video

Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.


Sydney Hotel Deals


Book Now, Pay Later
Price Matching
2,563,000+ Properties Worldwide
24/7 Support
booking.com logo
Booking.com sale banner link

Visiting Sydney?
Here's why we use Booking.com for our hotel bookings.
Best Selection
Daily Deals
Price Matching
Pay at the Hotel
24/7 Support
Share on Pinterest
Share on Pinterest
Help us grow! Please Share
Thanks for Visiting!