Sydney's Historical Churches (Self Guided), Sydney
Over the years, Sydney's historical churches have aroused a sense of admiration in many beholders. Some of these buildings have even become iconic symbols of Sydney, well worth going a good way to see as vivid examples of both historical and architectural value.
The impressive Early English-style of architecture seen in Saint Mary's Cathedral is said to have inspired the American author Mark Twain, who visited Sydney in the 1890s, to remark on it as "a charming creation of man's handicraft, with a softening of time's slow-touching and wasteful finger."
In his turn, the famous Australian writer and poet, Henry Lawson, may have found inspiration in Saint Andrew's Cathedral. This Anglican temple, "A refuge for the weary heart, when life is drear and the way is dark", has graced the city with its Neo-Gothic beauty since the early 19th century.
Another gem of ecclesiastical masonry gracing the historic district of Sydney is Saint Philip's Church. First built in 1802, this is one of the first churches in the colony and, thus, one of the oldest in Australia.
The Great Synagogue of Sydney is a stunning example of Byzantine Revival architecture. Constructed in 1878, its ornate interior and intricate design reflect the cultural heritage of the local Jewish community.
Saint James' Church, with its Georgian-style appearance, is another historic Anglican church in Sydney. Completed in 1824, it continues to be a symbol of Sydney's colonial heritage.
If you seek solace in prayer or are simply interested in places of spirituality from either an architectural or historical standpoint, these notable sanctuaries will serve the purpose all the same. Take our self-guided tour around Sydney to find your way to some of its most important places of worship.
The impressive Early English-style of architecture seen in Saint Mary's Cathedral is said to have inspired the American author Mark Twain, who visited Sydney in the 1890s, to remark on it as "a charming creation of man's handicraft, with a softening of time's slow-touching and wasteful finger."
In his turn, the famous Australian writer and poet, Henry Lawson, may have found inspiration in Saint Andrew's Cathedral. This Anglican temple, "A refuge for the weary heart, when life is drear and the way is dark", has graced the city with its Neo-Gothic beauty since the early 19th century.
Another gem of ecclesiastical masonry gracing the historic district of Sydney is Saint Philip's Church. First built in 1802, this is one of the first churches in the colony and, thus, one of the oldest in Australia.
The Great Synagogue of Sydney is a stunning example of Byzantine Revival architecture. Constructed in 1878, its ornate interior and intricate design reflect the cultural heritage of the local Jewish community.
Saint James' Church, with its Georgian-style appearance, is another historic Anglican church in Sydney. Completed in 1824, it continues to be a symbol of Sydney's colonial heritage.
If you seek solace in prayer or are simply interested in places of spirituality from either an architectural or historical standpoint, these notable sanctuaries will serve the purpose all the same. Take our self-guided tour around Sydney to find your way to some of its most important places of worship.
How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Sydney's Historical Churches Map
Guide Name: Sydney's Historical Churches
Guide Location: Australia » Sydney (See other walking tours in Sydney)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Author: nataly
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Australia » Sydney (See other walking tours in Sydney)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Author: nataly
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Saint Mary's Cathedral
- Great Synagogue
- Saint Andrew's Cathedral
- Saint Philip's Church
- Saint James' Church
1) Saint Mary's Cathedral (must see)
The mother church of Australian Catholicism, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, is the largest church in Australia. It is a functioning place of worship and an important landmark in Sydney.
The cathedral's foundation stone was laid in 1821 and the structure was completed in 1835, only to be destroyed by a fire in 1865. Father McEnroe, the then Archdeacon, commissioned the building of the present church designed by architect William Wardell in the Gothic Revivalist style. Although generally completed in 1882, work on the church continued after its dedication and improvements have been continually made to embellish the building. In 1930, the church was given the title of a minor basilica by Pope Pius XI and was the focus of World Youth Day in 2008, when it was visited by Pope Benedict XVI.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral’s exterior is clad with dressed Pyrmont stone. It has twin towers facing south and a cruciform design with a central tower where the nave and transepts meet. The interiors have windows with picturesque stained glass, intricate sculpture, and a poignant monument to fallen soldiers.
The impressive flight of stairs leading up to the entrance and the two slender spires pointing to the sky make this elegant minor basilica amazing, chiefly when the walls glitter in gold light in the sunbeams.
Tip:
The best view of the сathedral is probably from College Street. Pick your visiting time carefully because of the regular services and the irregular but very frequent weddings. NOTE: during the weddings, you can't walk in to see the сathedral inside.
The cathedral's foundation stone was laid in 1821 and the structure was completed in 1835, only to be destroyed by a fire in 1865. Father McEnroe, the then Archdeacon, commissioned the building of the present church designed by architect William Wardell in the Gothic Revivalist style. Although generally completed in 1882, work on the church continued after its dedication and improvements have been continually made to embellish the building. In 1930, the church was given the title of a minor basilica by Pope Pius XI and was the focus of World Youth Day in 2008, when it was visited by Pope Benedict XVI.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral’s exterior is clad with dressed Pyrmont stone. It has twin towers facing south and a cruciform design with a central tower where the nave and transepts meet. The interiors have windows with picturesque stained glass, intricate sculpture, and a poignant monument to fallen soldiers.
The impressive flight of stairs leading up to the entrance and the two slender spires pointing to the sky make this elegant minor basilica amazing, chiefly when the walls glitter in gold light in the sunbeams.
Tip:
The best view of the сathedral is probably from College Street. Pick your visiting time carefully because of the regular services and the irregular but very frequent weddings. NOTE: during the weddings, you can't walk in to see the сathedral inside.
2) Great Synagogue
The Sydney Great Synagogue is the largest place of worship for Jewish people in New South Wales. It is listed on the Register of the National Estate which is a list of significant cultural monuments in Australia.
The Great Synagogue was designed by Thomas Rowe and has a combination of Byzantine, Moorish Revival and Victorian Free Gothic Architectural styles. It was consecrated in 1878 and is the oldest synagogue in New South Wales that continues to be used as a place of worship. The Jewish community of Sydney flourished in the city from the earliest European settlements when 15 Jews were among those brought as convicts by the First Fleet.
The Great Synagogue is a highly decorated structure in carved sandstone and timber, molded plaster, tiling, glass and metalwork. It has a traditional elevated area for ladies. A 25 minute movie about the history of Jews in Australia is shown to visitors and there is a small museum in the basement with a collection of Jewish religious objects used from birth to death.
The Great Synagogue was designed by Thomas Rowe and has a combination of Byzantine, Moorish Revival and Victorian Free Gothic Architectural styles. It was consecrated in 1878 and is the oldest synagogue in New South Wales that continues to be used as a place of worship. The Jewish community of Sydney flourished in the city from the earliest European settlements when 15 Jews were among those brought as convicts by the First Fleet.
The Great Synagogue is a highly decorated structure in carved sandstone and timber, molded plaster, tiling, glass and metalwork. It has a traditional elevated area for ladies. A 25 minute movie about the history of Jews in Australia is shown to visitors and there is a small museum in the basement with a collection of Jewish religious objects used from birth to death.
3) Saint Andrew's Cathedral
Saint Andrews Cathedral is a historical Anglican Church in Australia. It is a small Gothic style building with a red stone exterior and twin towers located next to the Town Hall in Sydney.
The Saint Andrews cathedral was designed by architect Edmund T. Blacket. The style was called perpendicular Gothic that was used in many cathedrals in Britain. Construction began in 1819 and the church was consecrated in 1868. A chapter house was added to the existing structure in 1886.
The interior of the church is adorned with unique tiles and marble floors. The stained glass windows depict the life and parables of Christ. The choir stalls are made of carved English oak. There are many plaques commemorating the founders of the church. The large organ was built in 1866. The lectern has a carved eagle that is the symbol of Saint John. The font is a gift received by the cathedral in 1868.
A brochure is provided to help visitors find their way around the church. The main service is held at 10:30 and the Asian bible church is held at 2 pm every Sunday. Bible studies classes are held on all days of the week.
The Saint Andrews cathedral was designed by architect Edmund T. Blacket. The style was called perpendicular Gothic that was used in many cathedrals in Britain. Construction began in 1819 and the church was consecrated in 1868. A chapter house was added to the existing structure in 1886.
The interior of the church is adorned with unique tiles and marble floors. The stained glass windows depict the life and parables of Christ. The choir stalls are made of carved English oak. There are many plaques commemorating the founders of the church. The large organ was built in 1866. The lectern has a carved eagle that is the symbol of Saint John. The font is a gift received by the cathedral in 1868.
A brochure is provided to help visitors find their way around the church. The main service is held at 10:30 and the Asian bible church is held at 2 pm every Sunday. Bible studies classes are held on all days of the week.
4) Saint Philip's Church
Located in the oldest Anglican Church parish in Australia, the Saint Philip’s Church stands on what was later called Church Hill. It was a well known Sydney landmark for many years. It is also called the York Street Anglican.
The Saint Philip’s parish was established in 1802. The parish church at the time was a stone structure that earned the name, the ugliest church in Christendom. The foundation stone for the present building was laid in 1848. It was designed by Edmund Blacket and constructed between 1848 and 1856 and was consecrated in 1856 by Bishop Frederic Barker. The first two ministers were William Cooper and his son William Macquarie Cooper, who was the first Australian born minister in an Anglican Church. He served the church for 60 years.
The church has many interesting objects in its interior. There are memorial tablets of notable parishioners adorning the walls. The organ was placed in 1874. There is a magnificent seven light east facing stained glass window. The tower is 102 feet tall and is designed in the style and form of the Magdalen Tower in Oxford. The Australian Register of the National Estate lists Saint Philips Church as an important national cultural building.
The Saint Philip’s parish was established in 1802. The parish church at the time was a stone structure that earned the name, the ugliest church in Christendom. The foundation stone for the present building was laid in 1848. It was designed by Edmund Blacket and constructed between 1848 and 1856 and was consecrated in 1856 by Bishop Frederic Barker. The first two ministers were William Cooper and his son William Macquarie Cooper, who was the first Australian born minister in an Anglican Church. He served the church for 60 years.
The church has many interesting objects in its interior. There are memorial tablets of notable parishioners adorning the walls. The organ was placed in 1874. There is a magnificent seven light east facing stained glass window. The tower is 102 feet tall and is designed in the style and form of the Magdalen Tower in Oxford. The Australian Register of the National Estate lists Saint Philips Church as an important national cultural building.
5) Saint James' Church
The Saint James Church is the oldest Anglican Church Building in Sydney. It also has the distinction of being in continuous use from 1824, when it was consecrated to the present.
The Saint James Church was designed by convict architect, Francis Greenway and constructed using convict labour. The design was a simple classical style resembling a Georgian Town Church. It is often regarded as the finest work of Greenway. The walls are made with local brick. Several additions were made to the original structure over the years as the congregation increased in number. There is a brick undercroft beneath the chapel that served at different times as the verger’s residence, parish schools and shelter for soldiers. There is also a beautiful children’s chapel with murals executed by modernist painter and writer Ethel Anderson and her group where Sunday School sessions are held.
Saint James Church has served the poor and the needy from the 19th century. They serve a weekly lunch and a full dinner at Christmas to the less fortunate. It has a strong choral and music tradition from the date of its consecration with a professional choir, a three manual pipe organ and tuned bell ringing. Concerts and recitals are hosted by the church throughout the year.
The Saint James Church was designed by convict architect, Francis Greenway and constructed using convict labour. The design was a simple classical style resembling a Georgian Town Church. It is often regarded as the finest work of Greenway. The walls are made with local brick. Several additions were made to the original structure over the years as the congregation increased in number. There is a brick undercroft beneath the chapel that served at different times as the verger’s residence, parish schools and shelter for soldiers. There is also a beautiful children’s chapel with murals executed by modernist painter and writer Ethel Anderson and her group where Sunday School sessions are held.
Saint James Church has served the poor and the needy from the 19th century. They serve a weekly lunch and a full dinner at Christmas to the less fortunate. It has a strong choral and music tradition from the date of its consecration with a professional choir, a three manual pipe organ and tuned bell ringing. Concerts and recitals are hosted by the church throughout the year.
Walking Tours in Sydney, Australia
Create Your Own Walk in Sydney
Creating your own self-guided walk in Sydney is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Food Tour in Sydney
Sydney is a melting pot, and the local food culture is a sure testament to that. The inflow of immigrants from Europe and Asia over the years has turned the city into a much coveted foodie destination. This tour offers an introduction to the multifaceted and diverse food & brewery experience to be had here.
Start with Gateway Sydney, an upscale food court with WiFi and just about any kind... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Start with Gateway Sydney, an upscale food court with WiFi and just about any kind... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Newtown Street Murals Walking Tour
Whenever you think of street art in Sydney, one suburb immediately springs to mind and that is Newtown. Largely regarded as Sydney’s coolest neighborhood, this is a ground zero of the city's mural art scene.
Ever since the early 1990s, with the appearance of the famous “I Have a Dream” Mural on King Street, a powerful depiction of Martin Luther King Junior's iconic speech, this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Ever since the early 1990s, with the appearance of the famous “I Have a Dream” Mural on King Street, a powerful depiction of Martin Luther King Junior's iconic speech, this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
The Rocks Walking Tour
The Rocks is a historic area and the oldest neighborhood in downtown Sydney. It was the site where on 26 January 1788 a Union flag was raised to announce the establishment of the first British penal colony in New South Wales. Many of the old stone buildings are made of quarry stones hand-chipped by early convicts, which gave the area its name.
Today's Rocks is a thriving locality packed... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Today's Rocks is a thriving locality packed... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Sydney Introduction Walking Tour
Sydney was found in 1788 when a fleet of eleven British ships arrived at where Sydney Cove is today. Onboard those pioneer vessels were 759 convicts plus sailors and marines to guard them. The city was named after Lord Sydney, the British Secretary of State who recommended the British government to establish a penal colony in Australia.
Human activity in the area that would later become Sydney... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Human activity in the area that would later become Sydney... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historic Buildings Walking Tour
One of the Australia’s largest cities, Sydney is also the country's oldest metropolis. It has no shortage of impressive historical buildings, some dating back as far as the early 19th century. Many of the local landmarks, such as Sydney Town Hall, Queen Victoria Building (QVB), Hyde Park Barracks and others, are wonders in their own right and fit to delight any history buff.
One can... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
One can... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 15 Aussie Souvenirs to Bring Home from Sydney
"You haven't been anywhere if you haven't been to Australia," they say, and you'd definitely want something tangible in hand to remind you of the g'days spent Down Under. In Sydney, you will find tonnes of distinctly Oz products that would serve this purpose...
The Most Popular Cities
/ view all