St Paul’s Cathedral

Architect: William Butterfield 1880-91, John Barr 1926-31

City of Melbourne | C47

Building Description

St Paul’s Cathedral is the seat of the Anglican Primate of Australia and the home church for Anglicans in Melbourne and Victoria. Around 20 worship services are held here every week, and are attended by both regular congregations and visitors to Melbourne. The Cathedral is also the venue for many ecumenical services, official commemorations, state funerals, and other major events. In its style, the building echoes the grand cathedrals of Europe. Designed by distinguished English Revival architect, William Butterfield, it was built in the Neo-Gothic transitional style, partly Early English and partly Decorated. The foundation stone was laid in 1880, and work continued for 11 years, leading to the consecration of the Cathedral on 22 January 1891. The construction of the three spires did not begin until 1926, with a revised design of Sydney architect John Barr, rather than the original design of Butterfield. The central spire is the second highest in the Anglican Communion, after Salisbury Cathedral.

What's On

The whole of the main body of the Cathedral will be open to visitors. Informal tours from the Cathedral’s volunteer guides are available upon request.

Location