St Mary's Cathedral was built in 1865 on the site
of the first Catholic Chapel in Australia. The Cathedral's
"Gothic Revival" style is constructed from local sandstone.
The Spires at the front of the Cathedral were recently completed in
2000.
The Cathedral has 3 arched openings along it's
length. The high arches of main arcade, gallery openings of the
triforium and the windows of the clerestory.
The North-South orientation of the Cathedral has
the light penetrating through only 3 windows at the northern end for
most of the day making it dark. Early in the morning the Cathedral is
brilliant and bright as the light penetrates the 14 clerestory windows
of the eastern side. In the afternoon the brilliance is repeated from
the western side.
The Cathedral is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin
Mary, under the title of Immaculate Mother of God, Help of Christians.
It is the spiritual home of Sydney's Catholic community.
Mass is celebrated weekly and for the most
significant feast days.
Statistics
Length: 107 Metres
Width of Nave: 24.3 Metres
Height of Ceiling: 22.5 Metres
Height of Central Tower: 46.3 Metres
Height of front towers and Spires: 74.6 Metres
