Ah, you’ve arrived at our first stop, the Cathedral of St Stephen! Look up and you'll see two tall spires rising into the sky, with intricate stonework that makes the front look like something straight out of a storybook. The large stained glass window with colorful depictions of saints is hard to miss, especially when the sunlight hits it just right. The grand entrance has steps leading up to it, inviting you to explore further.
Now, onto the fun part! The Cathedral of St Stephen is the heritage-listed cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane and serves as the seat of the archbishop. Here's a bit of an insider story: St Stephen's was originally meant to be temporary! Plans were made for a new cathedral - the Holy Name Cathedral - but that never got beyond the crypt. Talk about an unplanned permanent guest!
This cathedral boasts Gothic revival architecture with a lovely cruciform shape, which is like a giant stone hug around its visitors. Notice the spire-topped sandstone towers and the stunning imported stained glass from Munich. Inside, the stained glass windows create a dance of colors on the cathedral floor, which is pretty magical!
Don't forget to check out the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the rear. The glass-reinforced concrete spires and serene interior give off a cool, refreshing vibe-almost like stepping into a calm oasis amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
Walking back into history, the cathedral was finally completed in 1922 under the watch of Archbishop James Duhig after sitting in an incomplete state for years. Among the highlights is a stained glass window by Harry Clarke, known as the "Mayne" window, situated above the sanctuary on the east wall.
By the 1980s, the cathedral was in disrepair. A major refurbishment project was undertaken, retaining its fabric but renewing its interior for modern use. Today, it stands proud, welcoming visitors and congregants alike.
To the south-west of the cathedral, you’ll find St Stephen's Chapel, the oldest Catholic church in Queensland, and to the east stands the old St Stephen's School building. A fascinating mix of history and present-day vibrance, isn’t it?
Enjoy this serene and beautiful place, and when you're ready, we'll move on to our next stop!
