St.Paul's Cathedral

Followers of our blog may have noted that we often write about churches, synagogues, and/or temples; but not because we're fanatically religious. Throughout our travels around the world, we've found that some of the most beautiful architecture in each city could be found within its religious structures (regardless of its denominations). This is true of Melbourne, Australia as well.
Located in the heart of Melbourne, on the edge of Federation Square, is St. Paul's Cathedral; the seat of the Anglican Archdiocese of the city. It was built on the site of the first Christian service held in the city, which also happened to have been a corn market (until 1848). The first religious structure built here was St.Paul's Parish church, which was demolished in 1885 to make way for the current structure. At the time that the new Cathedral was completed, St.Paul's was the tallest building in Melbourne ( until the building boom in the 20th century). While photographs of the interior of this impressive edifice are allowed, you must purchase a permit to do so, first.

St.Paul's Cathedral sits at the edge of Federation Square (on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets).

Looking down the central aisle towards the main altar.

We couldn't decide which was more beautiful; the elaborate high altar, or the impressive stained-glass windows above...

...but there were other stained-glass windows that also caught our eyes.

As with all Cathedrals, side chapels often competed with the main altar in grandeur.

Of course, they all have impressive pipe organs.