St Pauls Cathedral

A recent upgrade to access has now made one of Melbourne's icons, St Paul's Cathedral in Flinders Street accessible to people in wheelchairs via the main front door. Previously the only way in was via a back entrance.
The Cathedral is now built on the site where the first Christian services were performed in Melbourne on the banks of the Yarra River in 1836.
Unlike most of the buildings of the time that were built in the traditional Melbourne Bluestone, St Paul's was built in sandstone imported from NSW giving it the distinctive yellow look that contrasts with its surroundings.
The Architectural style of the Cathedral is described as Gothic transitional, being partly Early English and partly Decorated. It was designed by the distinguished English architect William Butterfield, with the foundation stone being laid in 1880. The building was consecrated in 1891 but the erection of the spires did not begin until 1926.
A centre piece of the cathedral is the magnificent pipe organ which was fully restored by the National Trust. It is now acknowledged as the finest surviving work of the noted English Organ builder T C Lewis.
The Cathedral is accessed by a ramp on Flinders Street that leads from the carpark on its eastern side. Once in the foyer the Nave is accessed via a wooden ramp on the left of the building. Aisles on the left centre and right allow full access to admire the grandeur of the building. The Sanctuary is accessed by another wooden ramp, again on the left side. From here the magnificent organ, vaulted ceiling and stained glass work can be admired. Photography is permitted within the Cathedral but a small donation is expected.
If in Melbourne it is well worth a visit. It is directly opposite the famous Flinders Street station and directly opposite Federation Square. The Flinders Street, Swanston Street, intersection is still the busiest intersection of Melbourne and captures the lifeblood of the city.

Click on an image or view our photo tour of St Paul's