In 1821 the foundation stone of the first St Mary's Chapel was laid by Governor Lachlan Macquarie. Sydney's first bishop, John Bede Polding took up residence in 1835. In 1842 he becomes first Archbishop of Sydney. In 1865 St Mary's Cathedral was ruined by fire.

Work begins on a new cathedral in 1865 and is completed in three stage: the northern section in 1882, the central tower in 1900 and the Nave in 1928, a total of 60 years. Between 1998 and 2000 the Spires are added.

The cathedral is 107 metres long, 24.3 wide at the Nave, it's ceiling is 22.5 metres high with the height of the central tower at 46.3 metres. The front tower and spires are 74.6 metres high.

The Cathedral is surrounded by College and Cathedral Streets and Albert Road. It is adjacent to Hyde Park. Closest rail station - St James.

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