St John's Cathedral

Overview

St John's Cathedral is a Gothic Revival Anglican cathedral in Ann Street, notable as the only cathedral in the world still being built entirely using traditional stone masonry techniques. Its soaring sandstone nave and stained-glass windows make it one of Brisbane's most important religious buildings.

Highlights

• Stone masonry: The western front, completed in 2009, was constructed without steel reinforcement using hand-cut stone and traditional techniques.
• Stained-glass windows: Vibrant narrative windows illustrating stories from the Old and New Testaments.
• Pipe organ: A fine instrument used for regular recitals and choral evensong services.

History

The foundation stone was laid in 1901, with the design by John Loughborough Pearson and his son Frank Pearson. Construction continued in phases throughout the 20th century, with the final western end completed in 2009 — making the build span 108 years.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Attend choral evensong on Wednesday or Friday for the most atmospheric experience.
• Tip 2: Self-guided visitors are welcome during opening hours — a small donation is appreciated.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.