Cathedral of St Paul's in Wellington
Located at the corner of Hill Street and Molesworth Street, the Cathedral of St Paul's is an Anglican cathedral in Wellington, just north of the Parliament Precinct. This cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a striking architectural landmark, notable for its unique design and historical significance.
Design and Historical Significance
The Cathedral of St Paul's stands out with its unusual architectural style. Designed in the 1930s by Cecil Wood, the building blends Art Deco and neo-Byzantine influences, inspired by the Roman Catholic Westminster Cathedral in London. Construction of the cathedral was delayed by WWII and finally began in 1954, using reinforced concrete, and was completed in 1998. The structure is 88 metres long and 18 metres high, featuring a distinctive orange-brown hue with deco elements.
A War Memorial and Artistic Features
The cathedral also serves as a war memorial, with a prominent Gallipoli commemoration visible upon entry. One of its artistic highlights is the modernist glasswork at the entrance, showcasing stylised ghostly angels.
Historical Context of St Paul's in Wellington
The first Anglican Church of St Paul was located where the Beehive stands today. Plans for a larger brick cathedral were abandoned after the 1855 Wellington earthquake and replaced by a design for a wooden design. This led to the construction of what is now known as Old St Paul's. Completed in 1866, this served as the cathedral until 1964, when the new Cathedral of St Paul's was sufficiently completed. Old St Paul's is situated on Mulgrave Street, a short walk east from the current cathedral along Aitken Street or Pipitea Street.
Getting to the Cathedral of St Paul's
To visit the Cathedral of St Paul's, head to the corner of Hill Street and Molesworth Street in Wellington. The cathedral is next to the Parliament Precinct.
Nearby in Central Wellington, you can also discover He Tohu, Katherine Mansfield House and Memorial Park, Wellington Botanic Gardens, the waterfront and Te Papa.
