St Patrick’s Cathedral is the spiritual home of the Irish Catholics of Melbourne, and is named for the patron saint of Ireland. Completed in 1939 after more than 70 years of construction, “St Pat’s” is a majestic example of Gothic revival design. The yard in front also contains a statue of Daniel O’Connell, the emancipator of Irish Catholics from religious persecution.
Situated on the borders of the city centre, the towering central spire of the cathedral reaches an impressive 105 metres into the Melbourne sky, with a further two spires topping out at 61 metres each. The unusual dusky colours of the building are a result of the use of local Victorian bluestone, along with a range of other materials.
Make your way around the cathedral and crane your neck back to admire the scale of the building, along with its ornate decoration and striking design. Keep a look out for the gruesome gargoyles and many sculptures found around the exterior.
Entering the building, take in the colours and shapes cast by its beautiful stained-glass windows. The enormous organ dates from the 1870s, and is handsome and sonorous in equal measure – come for Sunday evening mass to hear it in action in tandem with the excellent St Patrick’s Cathedral Singers.
Entry is free of charge, and you can stroll around to your heart’s content, or join a tour. Catholic mass ceremonies take place daily, and you can pick up curios and other Catholic items in the cathedral shop. When you’re finished with your visit, sit back and relax in the green and pleasant Fitzroy Gardens, which are found nearby.
St Patrick’s Cathedral is a short walk from central Melbourne, and is across the road from Flinders Street Station, the city’s main train depot.
St Patrick's Cathedral
Visit St Patrick's Cathedral
Tours & day trips
See all 305 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour
History & culture
See all 98 activitiesOpens in new tabMigrants Tour of Melbourne - Sydney Road
Adventure & outdoor
See all 31 activitiesOpens in new tabOutdoor Rock Climbing and Abseiling Tour
Classes & workshops
See all 18 activitiesOpens in new tabMelbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour
Attractions
See all 15 activitiesOpens in new tabSEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Tickets
Popular places to visit
Parliament House of Victoria
Parliament House of Victoria is just one of the places to see in Melbourne, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this vibrant area.
Princess Theatre
Considered by some to be Melbourne's most spectacular landmark, this majestic theater has been entertaining audiences since it opened more than 150 years ago.
Brunswick Street
During your trip to Melbourne, you can enjoy retail therapy at Brunswick Street. Wander around the gardens or enjoy the area's bars.
Treasury Gardens
Explore the great outdoors at Treasury Gardens, a lovely green space in Melbourne. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.
Fitzroy Gardens
Explore charming natural spaces in this Victorian-style garden, which features tree-lined avenues and intriguing monuments just minutes from Melbourne's central business district.
Cooks Cottage
You can find out about the history of Melbourne with a visit to Cooks Cottage. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.
Top St Patrick's Cathedral Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to St Patrick's Cathedral
- Holidays and getaways similar to St Patrick's Cathedral
- Hotels Near St Patrick's Cathedral
- Hotels near other Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Crown Casino
- Hotels near Melbourne Central
- Hotels near Queen Victoria Market
- Hotels near Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Hotels near Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Hotels near Collins Street
- Hotels near Rod Laver Arena
- Hotels near University of Melbourne
- Hotels near Bourke Street Mall
- Hotels near Aami Park
- Hotels near Melbourne Zoo
- Hotels near Monash University
- Hotels near Chadstone Shopping Mall
- Hotels near Princess Theatre
- Hotels near SEA LIFE Melbourne
- Hotels near Flemington Racecourse
- Hotels near St Kilda Beach
- Hotels near Melbourne Museum
- Hotels near St Kilda Road
- Hotels near Royal Melbourne Hospital