Saint Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney

Saint Andrew’s Cathedral is the principal Anglican church of Sydney and one of the city’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Located beside Town Hall on George Street, the cathedral was designed by architect Edmund Blacket and consecrated in 1868, though construction had begun decades earlier. Built from local sandstone, its pointed arches, traceried windows, and carved details reflect the influence of English medieval cathedrals, adapted to Sydney’s colonial context. The twin towers and intricate stained glass give the exterior a sense of balance and grace amid the surrounding modern skyline.

Inside, the cathedral’s vaulted timber ceiling and stone columns create an atmosphere of intimacy and height. The richly coloured stained-glass windows depict biblical scenes and memorials to Sydney’s early clergy and citizens, while the marble floor and carved woodwork of the chancel and choir stalls showcase the craftsmanship of the 19th century. The pipe organ, built by William Hill & Son in London and installed in 1866, remains one of Australia’s most significant heritage instruments, regularly used for concerts and worship.

The cathedral serves as the spiritual centre of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, hosting daily services, choral performances, and civic ceremonies. It stands as a rare surviving link to the city’s early ecclesiastical history, contrasting its sandstone serenity with the bustle of central Sydney outside. Guided tours highlight both the architecture and the role of the cathedral in shaping the city’s religious and cultural life for more than 150 years.