Welcome to St Patrick’s Cathedral, Mother Church of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and one of the architectural glories of Melbourne.
St Patrick’s is an integral part of Melbourne, and its history tells us much about the State’s birth and growth. Situated on the fringe of the city grid, close enough to the heart of Melbourne to be a powerful presence and breathe with a life of its own.
The beauty of the Cathedral speaks of the glory of God. Its peace reaches to our innermost heart, and its welcome to those who pass by is of a God who is ever compassionate to us, his people.
We are delighted to share a precious part of our faith, culture and heritage with you.
The Sacred Space
In 1858, it was a small, primarily Irish Catholic Community that commissioned the English Architect, William Wardell to design a new place for worship due to the 1850s gold rushes.
St Patrick’s is regarded internationally as the finest ecclesiastical building in Australia and a pre-eminent example of the Gothic Revival style. The austere facade gives little hint of the glorious interior with its ethereal golden light of mesmerising beauty.
The Cathedral perfectly suited the liturgy of that time which was the nineteenth century. Now, with its refurbished sanctuary under the main spire it continues to be used for what it is intended to be, a sacred place of prayer and worship. The cruciform cathedral was designed for the needs of large congregations. The splendid ambulatory and chapels, which partially encircle the sanctuary, provide space for contemplation and an opportunity to encounter the divine in the company of those whose memory and image is honoured there.
All in all, this is sacred space - you are standing on holy ground. Please treat it with respect while visiting St Patrick’s Cathedral and avail yourself of this opportunity to pray.