St Mary's Cathedral, Wellington

St Mary's Cathedral in Wellington is a Gothic Revival structure that measured approximately 33 meters in length, 18 meters wide, and 32 meters in height. The building featured characteristic pointed arches, detailed stonework, and a prominent spire that rose above the surrounding streets.

Bishop Philippe Viard laid the foundation stone in 1850, and the cathedral was completed and opened in 1851. A devastating fire in 1898, sparked by a worker in the tower, destroyed the entire structure beyond recovery.

The cathedral served as a gathering place for Wellington's Catholic community and drew worshippers from across the region. Its gilded statue of Mary atop the tower was a recognizable landmark visible across the city.

The site is easily located in the historical records and archives of Wellington, where details about the cathedral's design can be studied. Visitors interested in the area's religious heritage can find information through local museums and historical documents.

The cathedral was constructed using native New Zealand timber such as totara and rimu, merging European architectural design with local materials. This combination of imported style with locally sourced wood was noteworthy during the early settlement period.

Location: Wellington

Inception: 1851

Founders: Philippe Viard

Architects: Christian Toxward

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://mcshwellington.org

GPS coordinates: -41.27667,174.77611

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05