St Paul’s Cathedral

Religious views aside, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the many focal points that tourists visiting Melbourne should see. The architecture is stunning both inside and out and the stained glass doors look AMAZING from the inside.
Have a wonder outside, but be sure to go in to experience everything St. Paul’s has to offer!

I don’t believe in God — I’m Agnostic, but you don’t have to be a person of religious faith to appreciate St Paul’s Cathedral.
Why? Make a visit, just to appreciate the absolutely stunning architecture. I have a huge affinity to places that are just gorgeously designed — modern or traditional and as a result, visiting or simply even walking past St Paul’s Cathedral with its marvelous structure is a treat for me.
Like Stephanie mentioned, Flinders & Swanston would not be the same without this cathedral. It’s a little piece of old beautiful Victorian architecture next to modern skyscrapers. What a sight.

The flinders st/​Swanston st intersection would not be the same without this landmark building which so beautifully contrasts the surrounding modern architecture with its old style brick work, steeples, and church windows.
Both the interior and the exterior of the buidinlg have been beautifully restored in recent years, and whether you are religious or not a wander around is well worth it. There are caretakers who can provide you with information and historical facts, and of course the priest is there too.
The church holds regular services a few times a week, but the church is also used for other things too, at times as a music performance venue. I have to say the acoustics make any live act here sound amazing.

I am a musician, and as such I’m reviewing the cathedral on its merits as a performance venue. I understand this probably wasn’t its intended use, but I think comparing various places of worship on their suitability to worship is a little bit not in the spirit of things.
As a musical venue, it’s actually pretty much the same as any old cathedral. Same booming acoustic, same uncomfortable pews, same awkward walk up the aisle looking for a good seat to slide into. St Paul’s is quite lovely to look at, but, really, I don’t see how it distinguishes itself in that respect.
Having said that, a performance in such a place is always special. I think it’s because anyone who goes inside is instantly dwarfed by the monumental columns and ceilings and that grand altar ahead of them. Don’t speak too loudly, it’s not right. And yet I’m there to hear music played as loudly and softly as it can be played, watch instruments make sounds that cut through the gaping silence in a way we mere humans did not dare. Go, if you can, or better yet, perform.
I’m not a God-​fearing sort, neither am I an expert on his Lordship, but if He we to object to these places being used to celebrate music in the ways I’ve seen, then there’d be something very rotten going on.