I am of the Uniting Church faith, though not practicing. Irrespective of this, you can't help but look with awe on the majesty of St Patrick's Cathedral, the cathedral church of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. St Patrick's is located on Eastern Hill, on a city block that is bounded by Albert St, Gisborne St, Lansdowne St & Cathedral Pl. The building is in the Gothic Revival style of architecture. In 1974, Pope Paul VI conferred the title of Minor basilica on it.
Photo: this photo shows four of the seven alcove sections that, internally, house the chapels
Traditionally, cathedrals are built on an east west axis, with the alter located at the eastern end, symbolising belief in the resurrection of Christ. Ecclesiastic architect, William Wardell, abandoned this orientation for St Patrick's however, aligning the building more along the north south axis. The layout of the Cathedral is in the style of a Latin cross & consists of a nave (the main body of the church) with side aisles, transepts (a transverse section which lies across the main body) with side aisles, a sanctuary with seven open chapels & sacristies.
Photo: a model of St Patrick's Cathedral
Photo: the nave, looking towards the alter
Photo: the side aisles of the nave
Photo: the transept on the eastern side
Photos: two of the seven chapels. The floor of each is tiled in a beautiful mosaic pattern & each contains varying rich & ornate furnishings
Photo: the transept on the western side of the Cathedral
Photo: the stained glass windows above the southern entrance
St Patrick's is absolutely magnificent. It is truly impressive in every way imaginable, in size, in layout, in its richness of furnishings, in its history, in the stories told in those stunning stained glass windows. It is certainly worth a look if you get the chance.
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