Alright, as you're strolling down Yarra Street, keep your eyes peeled to the left. You can't miss St Mary of the Angels Basilica. Look for a majestic Gothic revival building constructed from bluestone, adorned with numerous pointed arch windows, and a strikingly tall spire that seems to touch the sky.
Now, here's the fun scoop about this breathtaking landmark:
St Mary of the Angels Basilica, formerly known as St Mary's Church, is a real gem in the heart of Geelong, Victoria. Completed in 1937, this beauty boasts the tallest bluestone spire in all of Australia at a whopping 150 feet (46 meters). And guess what? It's also the fourth-tallest non-cathedral spire in the country. In 2004, after getting the Vatican's thumbs-up, it became Australia’s fifth basilica. Quite a promotion, eh?
Standing proud at 210 feet (64 meters) tall from the pavement, it’s the tallest building in Geelong. The journey of St Mary’s began with a humble wooden chapel back in 1842, but the gold rush's optimism soon led to grander visions. Although the work hit a few bumps along the road, like a boom slowing down and construction stops, it all came together splendidly by 1937. The finishing touches even included an 8-foot phosphor bronze cross atop the spire, casting bronze waves into the sky since 1935.
So, look up and behold this architectural marvel, which stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and the dreams that define the vibrant history of Geelong.
