Do you love cathedrals? I do!!…read more After seeing St. Mary's Cathedral from the Sydney Tower and several times on the Hop On/Hop Off Bus, I knew that I had to try to visit it on our last day in Sydney. So glad that I was able to spend some time exploring this beautiful spiritual landmark. Located across from Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral is unusual among large cathedrals. Due to its size, the plan of the city and the way the land falls around it, it is oriented in a north-south axis. The cathedral is laid out in a traditional English cathedral plan with a cruciform shape. Love the towers, naves, spires and transepts. The cathedral is constructed in local sandstone. The Gothic Revival style of its architecture pays respect to the great medieval cathedrals of Europe. It was built in phases starting in 1866. The spires were added most recently in 2000. The design draws on many architectural elements. The long nave looks like many medieval English cathedrals while the entrance facade with the twin towers and a central rose window looks more like Notre Dame de Paris, a typical French Gothic cathedral. Walk around the cathedral to see many medieval elements of European Gothic cathedrals. Flying buttresses. Canopies. The text of the Ave Maria. Statues of saints. Towers. Turrets. Menacing gargoyles. Inside the cathedral, you will feel enveloped with the tranquility and richness of the church. As you enter the main doors, you may feel the pull to enter and absorb the stunning views along the length of the nave. The columns and vaulted ceilings of the main arcade are constructed of the same warm local sandstone as the exterior and interior walls. So beautiful. So inviting. Look around to see more saintly statues, chapels and stunning stained-glass windows. Light a candle. Make a donation. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this sacred space in the early morning on a warm summer day. Truly a beautiful and historic cathedral to visit while exploring Sydney.

Copy and pasted from their website: "St Mary's Cathedral…read morestands on the site of the first Catholic Chapel in Australia. Constructed in local sandstone, the Gothic Revival style of its architecture is reminiscent of the great medieval cathedrals of Europe." Quality/Quantity - Beautiful cathedral, both inside and outside. See pictures. Atmosphere - They were having Mass when we arrived, so to not interrupt, we did not stay. But again, what a beautiful cathedral both inside and outside. Copy and pasted from their website, as I can NOT say it better: "The stained-glass windows in the Cathedral were crafted in England, at the Hardman studios of Birmingham, from 1881 onwards. In the area of the Sanctuary and transepts, the windows mostly depict the 15 "mysteries of the Rosary", climaxing in the great north window with the "Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary." The windows in the nave mostly show scenes from the New Testament, and the first four on each side also show notable moments in the history of the Church in Sydney prior to completion of the Cathedral. The 14 large oil paintings of the Stations of the Cross were acquired by Cardinal Moran in 1885 during a visit to Europe, and hung in the aisles near the sanctuary prior to the extension of the Cathedral. In 1997, the Canadian organ builders, Orgues LeTourneau, were commissioned to build a large new organ to be located in the west transept. This splendid 46 stop instrument was installed and blessed just prior to Christmas, 1999." Service - N/A. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since pre 1865, when a fire burned down the previous cathedral.

It is great to find a beautiful, well maintained catholic church; described as being in the…read morespiritual oasis of the city (it could be because this church is surrounded by so many other churches) and the variety of different service times available to suit the busiest of people; so yes there isn't really much of an excuse not to miss church; nor confession for that matter. I mean there are around twelve priests in total; and this is why this is a real full-time church; where it feels like there are services churning around on tap. It gets very busy here at easter more so than Christmas. Have been to their good Friday services with friends, and it is so emotional yet a great church service overall. What I particularly love about this church is not only the beautiful surroundings; but rather the short, sharp and to the point services with communion included. Church services normally go for an hour; yet here at St Patrick's (otherwise known as St Pat's) services normally only last around 20-30 minutes maximum. It is oh so peaceful to come here; pray, listen and relax. Their Tuesday lunchtime meditation sessions aren't too bad either.

Lovely church. Attended Mass and enjoyed meeting local Pastor. Church was in walking distance from…read moreour hotel and short walk from the business district.

Great church and wonderful preaching by Pastor Williams, Biblical sound teaching and an inspiring…read morechurch where they glorify God and His word.

Old time hymns and old time respect from everyone. This is a beautiful little church with a…read morecongregation that is incredibly diverse and yet so friendly and compassionate to everyone who walks in the door. The wooden pews and the headlight windows are from an era in the past. There is a chill in the air at this place, as the solid stone walls make the church a little cold in the winter. It is definitely a cool place in the summer.

A small community based catholic church. The sermons aren't too bad, although it is great that they…read morehave gotten shorter and shorter over time; especially because there was a priest there once who dragged the homily on forever. The singers are quite talented; so it is a joy to sing along; especially with their choir at Christmas time. Their service on Christmas Eve every year is so worth going to if you are catholic; especially if you love to sing Christmas Carols. With the latter on their Christmas Eve services; you will be in for a treat as the service starts with back to back Christmas carols for 45 minutes, and then the service finally starts with more carols singing in between. Also it is kind of cute to see the small children dress up as part of the nativity seen; and see them build the manger one by one. Adorable. Expect to see digital cameras in tow for this experience. Otherwise St Joseph's is an ordinary church with average service times and services. Their confession services are to the point and quite relaxing, although not as great as St Patrick's services in the city. Expect to see some friendly and social faces.

Such a beautiful small church! My school performed a choir concert here, and it was such a…read morewonderful venue! The interior is so beautiful, it's got plenty of pews and glass stained windows. It doesn't look like much on the outside, but the inside is fantastic.

The most local Catholic Church in Haymarket. It's conveniently located on George Street between…read moreCampbell and Goulburn. I came here to pray during my darkest days when I first arrived in Sydney so this parish will always have a special place in my heart. Daily Mass is usually 30-mins or less. There's 3 separate times Mon-Fri (730am, 1210pm and 530pm). If you're ever in need of a boost of faith, St. Peter Julian's doors are always open.. Except during closing hours ;)

I went to this church one weekend while I was staying with a friend in the area. I was very…read moreimpressed! It was much smaller than I was used to - maybe about 15-20 people were there - but they were all very kind, friendly people who were really enthusiastic about God. The lady doing the service was very obviously into God, and I'd say her sermon on current mission trips was really inspiring. I also went to the after-service lunch; the food was great and generally people were very keen to chat with me! And I really can't emphasize enough how nice everyone was. If I weren't living so far from this church now, I'd go there more often. Highly recommended.