St James’ Church

Built from convict bricks, Sydney’s oldest church (1819) is another Francis Greenway extravaganza. It was originally designed as a courthouse, but the brief changed: ‘Hey Frank, we need a church!’ The cells became the crypt. Check out the dark-wood choir loft, the sparking copper dome, the crypt shop and the cool retro stained-glass ‘Creation Window’ from renovations in the 1950s. Repairs to the spire are planned – don’t say we didn’t warn you if the scaffolding is unphotogenic. Free concerts happen at 1.15pm on Wednesdays between March and December; free tours 2.30pm weekdays. See the website or call for details on daily services.