St Georges Cathedral

 St George’s Cathedral is on Wale Street. lt is the oldest cathedral in South Africa and is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town.

St George’s Church was built in the cruciform style of St Pancras Church in London. It is a classic example of Gothic architecture. St George’s Cathedral displays Victorian-age design complete with stained glass windows and a crypt

There were six stone pillars which are no longer standing. However, six oak trees stand in place on the cathedral steps. The church opened in 1834 on Christmas day. It received cathedral status in 1847

The Cathedral is generally known as ‘The People’s Cathedral because it played a major role in opposing apartheid. Years ago, despite the segregation laws all races were welcomed several years before the democratic elections in 1994.

The church was built by Sir Herbert Baker out of sandstone from Table Mountain. It was the vision of Robert Gray, the first Bishop of Cape Town. However, Robert Gray was not impressed by the building. Both Bishop Gray and his successor William West Jones wished for a grander cathedral worthy of the Mother City. Neither of these gentlemen lived to see the final building

The church has a courtyard garden which includes a labyrinth. The administrative offices of the Cathedral are housed in cloisters facing the courtyard

The cathedral has a set of 10 ringing bells. A group of ringers is on duty every Sunday, and they invite groups of bell ringers from around the world to chime in at both weekend services.

By arrangement, cathedral members conduct tours of the building. Visitors can learn about the church’s history and heritage and highlight points of interest in the Cathedral and its treasures. A full tour takes about an hour

Church services take place at 10h00 and 19h00

5 Wale Street