St. Paul’s cathedral

By sheer dint of positioning, the impressive St. Paul’s cathedral is a natural marvel. One of the city’s most celebrated places of prayer and worship, the cathedral paints a picture of paradox to its more bustling counterparts, the Federation Square and the most chaotic station of the city, The Flinders Street Station.

The original structure was apparently first built in bluestone but later got replaced with sandstone in 1880. The tall heaven kissing spires were added later on. This spiritual oasis today stands on the same site where the first public Christian services in Melbourne were led by Dr Alexander Thomson in 1836.
It doesn't matter whether you are a believer or not, the cathedral charms all visitors with its neo-gothic styled architecture and beautifully patterned floors and stained glass panels. A few moments inside and it’s hard not to sense a unique sense of calm dawn on you. On the sidewalls are embedded messages in the form of tablets honoring a few brave men who laid down their lives fighting for the love of mankind. The place is indeed a beautiful juxtaposition to the otherwise hurried life: a station of peace in the chaotic heart of Melbourne.

It’s one of the best places in Melbourne to rekindle your inner Zen, light a candle and celebrate the real essence of life in its message of humanity – free.