Heritage St Peter and Pauls Cathedral Goulburn
Discover the rich heritage of St Peter and Paul's Old Cathedral through guided tours, historical displays, and family history research, connecting visitors with the people, stories, and traditions that have shaped our community for generations.
Catholic School Strike over Toilets 1962
In 1962, Goulburn became the centre of a remarkable protest that would have a lasting impact on Catholic education across New South Wales and Australia.
The strike became a defining moment in the history of Australian education, helping bring the question of government support for Catholic schools into the national spotlight.
Discover the story behind the protest, the people who stood together, and the events that made Goulburn the setting for a turning point in Australian educational history.
Architecture and Heritage Features
A remarkable legacy of faith, craftsmanship and history since 1890.
St Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral is one of Goulburn’s most significant historic landmarks, reflecting the faith, ambition and craftsmanship of the generations who helped shape the Catholic community of the region.
Construction of the Cathedral began in 1871, with the original nave designed by Italian-born architect Andrea Stombuco. The later additions, including the transepts, sanctuary, sacristy and tower, were designed by Charles Spadacini, creating the impressive Gothic Revival building we recognise today.
The completed Cathedral was officially opened and blessed by Cardinal Patrick Francis Moran on 29 June 1890. It was subsequently solemnly consecrated on 25 April 1898, marking another important milestone in its history.
Built using locally quarried greenstone, with distinctive sandstone detailing, the Cathedral is celebrated for its architectural character, traditional craftsmanship and remarkable heritage features. Among its treasures is the historic William Hill pipe organ, installed in 1890 and recognised for its exceptional preservation.
Although the diocesan centre moved to Canberra in 1969, the former Cathedral remains an important part of Goulburn’s spiritual, cultural and architectural heritage.
Today, this remarkable building preserves the stories of the people, traditions and events that have shaped our community. We invite you to explore its architecture, discover its treasured features and learn more about the history behind one of Goulburn’s enduring landmarks.
Stories and Photographs
For more than 150 years, Sts Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral has been at the heart of countless lives, celebrations and important moments in our community. Each photograph and story captures a moment in time, while every story helps bring our history to life. Together, they preserve the memories of generations past, celebrating the faith, dedication and community spirit that continue to form an important part of our shared heritage.
Vestments and Historic Fabrics
For more than 150 years, Sts Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral has carefully gathered and preserved a remarkable collection of vestments and historic fabrics, each reflecting the faith, traditions and craftsmanship of generations past. These treasured textiles tell the story of the Church’s liturgical life, from the celebration of the sacraments to significant feast days and special occasions.
Heritage Tours
Step inside St Peter and Paul's Old Cathedral and discover the rich history, architecture, and stories that have shaped this iconic landmark for generations. Our guided tours provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the cathedral's heritage, learn about its significant role in the development of the Catholic Church in the region, and view historical features, artefacts, and sacred spaces not always accessible to the public. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a pilgrim, or simply curious about the cathedral's past, our tours offer an engaging and memorable experience for individuals, families, schools, and community groups.
HERITAGE NEWSLETTER
The latest Heritage Newsletter is now available! Discover recent restoration projects, heritage treasures, volunteer stories, and exciting developments across the Cathedral precinct. Click the link below to read the newsletter and stay up to date with all that is happening within our heritage community.