Architecture sights in Melbourne
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A
Flinders Street Station
Melbourne’s first railway station, Flinders Street was built in 1854. Two railway workers won the design tender. This might explain why the station contained such fabulous facilities for railway workers, now, sadly, in disrepair. In its heyday the building buzzed with a concert hall, a library, a crèche, meeting rooms, even a ballroom. Stretching along the Yarra for a block, the station is a city landmark. You’d be hard pressed to find a Melburnian who hasn’t uttered ‘meet me under the clocks’ at one time. On any weekday, well over 100, 000 people weave through the station’s underpasses, escalators, stairs and platforms. The grand old dame’s underground tendrils conne…
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B
Parliament House of Victoria
The 1856 Parliament House of Victoria is a striking monolith of a structure preceded by a grand flourish of steps. Free half-hour tours take you through both houses and the library. Fascinating design features and the symbolism underlying much of the ornamentation are illuminated by the knowledgeable guides.
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C
St Patrick’s Cathedral
One of the world’s largest and finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture, St Patrick’s Cathedral was designed by William Wardell. It was named after the patron saint of Ireland, reflecting the local Catholic community’s main origin. Building began in 1863 and continued until the spires were added in 1939. The imposing bluestone exterior and grounds are but a preview of its contents: inside are several tonnes of bells, an organ with 4500 pipes, ornate stained-glass windows and the remains of former archbishops. It has been visited by two popes, Paul VI in 1970 and John Paul II in 1986.
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D
St Paul’s Cathedral
Opposite Federation Square stands the Anglican St Paul’s Cathedral. Services were celebrated on this site from the city’s first days. Built between 1880 and 1891, the present church is the work of distinguished ecclesiastical architect William Butterfield. It was a case of architecture by proxy, as he did not condescend to visit Melbourne, instead sending drawings from England. It features ornate stained-glass windows (made between 1887 and 1890) and holds excellent music programs. In summer it’s open to 6pm daily.
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E
Nicholas Building
The Nicholas Building, designed by Harry Norris in 1926, is a classical palazzo (grand building) in terracotta tile. Built as a demonstration of the wealth of the Nicholas family, the building today is full of artists’ studios and designers. Having managed to escape being turned into apartments, it’s one of the few unrenovated buildings of its type left in the city.
reviewed
