Description
St Thomas Aquinas is referred to as a chapel-of-ease. These were built in the first part of the 20th century for the growing Catholic population with maximum capacity for minimum outlay. A simplified Romanesque style was considered suitable as it did not require funds for ornaments. St Thomas Aquinas is one of the best examples of this principle. In 1954 the building was imaginatively altered and restored, and given a Spanish Baroque façade by one of Australia’s finest church architects of the 20th century, Thomas Payne. The interior of the church contains carvings by celebrated Australian artists Walter Langcake and Leopoldine Mimovich, as well as other important artefacts.
What's On
Volunteers are on hand to guide visitors around and explain the arts and building. Unable to visit? Watch the short film about St Thomas Aquinas church – https://youtu.be/qUnLV55T4xg
Images: (1) Front elevation, Spanish Baroque facade by Thomas Payne. (2) Wall ceramics produced by The South Yarra Fire Brick Company. (3) Relief above entry door. (4) The wooden altar is carved by Walter Langcake. (5) Altar detail. (6) Altar detail. All photos courtesy of Andrew Balcerzak
Important Details
Time & Date
Open 11am-4pm
Bookings not required
Age Requirements
Accessibility
Location
43 Bromby Street, South Yarra 3141
