Old St Paul's - Unusual letterbox view over St Paul's Bay. The house behind the doorway was derelict and had collapsed. The green peeling paint created a perfect frame for the shot of the blue sea and landscape.
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Old St Paul's

4.7
·760 reviews·Wellington, New Zealand

A stunning Gothic revival cathedral renowned for its intricate wooden architecture and vibrant stained glass windows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Old St Paul's - Unusual letterbox view over St Paul's Bay. The house behind the doorway was derelict and had collapsed. The green peeling paint created a perfect frame for the shot of the blue sea and landscape.

Old St Paul's

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Gothic revival cathedral renowned for its intricate wooden architecture and vibrant stained glass windows.

4.7
(760 reviews)

"A beautiful building, a stunning church with a sense of reverence. Highly recommended to visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Parking is Limited

Roadside parking is scarce. Consider public transport or carpooling to avoid parking hassles.

💰 Donation Entry

Entry is by donation, with a suggested minimum of 5 NZD. Your contribution helps maintain this historic gem.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intricate Wooden Arches

Intricate Wooden Arches

Interior

Marvel at the stunning, vintage wooden interiors and arches that give this cathedral its unique charm.

Vibrant Stained Glass

Vibrant Stained Glass

Windows

Admire the beautiful stained glass windows that cast colorful light throughout the sacred space.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Tower

Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding city, a rewarding experience for the adventurous.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Old St. Paul's

Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds, as this beautiful wooden cathedral can get busy. Check for any special events or services that might affect access or offer a unique experience. Donations are appreciated for entry.

Navigating Old St. Paul's

While the main structure is accessible, be aware that some areas might involve stairs, like the climb to the top of the building mentioned by visitors. Parking is limited, so consider alternative transport if possible.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Sunlight through stained glass
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Didn’t think I’d be walking 500 steps to the top of a 400 year old building today but here we are 🤪♥️ #stpaulscathedral #london #londondightseeing #londonlife #londontiktok #londoneye #londonfood #traveleurope #traveltheuk #travelvlog #travelvlogger
@rinbates
7.5K likes • 117.7K views

🚶‍♀️ Parking is Limited

Roadside parking is scarce. Consider public transport or carpooling to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

💰 Donation Entry

Entry is by donation, with a suggested minimum of 5 NZD. Your contribution helps maintain this historic gem. Reddit

Do you wish Old St Paul’s had survived? While the present St Paul’s is a masterpiece of the English Baroque, the old St Paul’s would have been a magnificent building had it survived. The cathedral would have been one hundred feet longer than Salisbury Cathedral and its spire was the second tallest, only beaten by Lincoln Cathedral’s long lost spire. The medieval cathedral also had some of the ear...
@greatbritisharchitecture
5.7K likes • 42.1K views
Conservation of the Triumphant Lamb above mural of the New Jerusalem at Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland. The church was designed by architect, Richard Upjohn and features stain glass, sculptures and paintings by the most esteemed craftsmen of the day. #Conservation #History #TraditionalMethods #ProfessionalServices #PerfectingPreservation #StPaul #Episcopal #Baltimore #Ric...
canningliturgicalarts
32 likes • 0 views

📸 Photography Welcome

Capture the beauty! Photographers are welcomed, and staff are open to questions. Reddit

⬆️ Climb for Views

For the adventurous, climbing to the top offers rewarding city vistas. TikTok

reddit.com

A digital reconstruction of Old St. Paul's Cathedral, which was located in London, England. Completed in 1314, it was destroyed in the 1666 Great Fire of London. The current cathedral with its iconic dome was built between 1675 and 1710.

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Parking is Limited

Roadside parking is scarce. Consider public transport or carpooling to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

💰 Donation Entry

Entry is by donation, with a suggested minimum of 5 NZD. Your contribution helps maintain this historic gem. Reddit

📸 Photography Welcome

Capture the beauty! Photographers are welcomed, and staff are open to questions. Reddit

⬆️ Climb for Views

For the adventurous, climbing to the top offers rewarding city vistas. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(760 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Old St. Paul's for its stunning wooden interiors and beautiful stained glass, offering a unique vintage charm. The welcoming atmosphere and the rewarding city views from the top are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. Some note limited parking and the donation-based entry, but overall, it's highly recommended for its historical and aesthetic appeal.

"Beautiful church made in wood. The church is very well maintained and the wooden interiors gives vintage vibes. They also have a small shop inside where small gift items are sold. Parking is very limited on the roadside outside the church.
The entry is through donations, you need to donatea minimum of 5NZD for the visit"

Sajeev Thomas

"Amazing Church. Great venue for small intimate events. Such beautiful woodworking and stained glass."

bexdalziell12

"Old wooden building. Nice place to visit. Not much tourists"

Pang Khai Muay

What People Like

Beautiful wooden interiors
Stunning stained glass
Welcoming atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Old St. Paul's is accessible by various means. While parking is limited, many visitors opt for public transport. Check local transit routes for the most convenient options. Reddit

The cathedral is a notable landmark. Using a GPS or map application on your phone can help you navigate directly to its location. TikTok

Information on specific public transport links can be found on local transit authority websites. It's advisable to check these before your visit for the latest schedules and routes.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Old St. Paul's is by donation. Visitors are encouraged to donate a minimum of 5 NZD to support the upkeep of this historic site. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially around services or events. It's best to check the official website or contact the venue directly for the most up-to-date information on visiting times. Reddit

While there isn't a fixed admission fee, donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain the cathedral. A minimum donation of 5 NZD is suggested. Reddit

Old St. Paul's is a great venue for small, intimate events. Inquire directly with the venue for details on booking and availability for special occasions. Reddit

Generally, entry is welcoming. However, during services or special events, access might be limited. It's always wise to check for any announcements before your visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find stunning wooden architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and a sense of reverence. It's a well-maintained building with a vintage feel. Reddit

Yes, photography is welcomed inside Old St. Paul's, allowing you to capture its beauty. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, staff are often open to questions, and some visitors have noted gaining historical understanding from them. Reddit

Old St. Paul's is a Gothic revival cathedral built in the 1860s, known for its distinctive wooden construction. It stands as a testament to historical craftsmanship. Reddit

Information regarding restroom facilities is not widely detailed, but it's common for such historical sites to have amenities available for visitors. It's best to inquire upon arrival.

📸 📸 Photography

The interior with its wooden arches and stained glass offers incredible photographic opportunities. The exterior also provides a picturesque setting. Reddit

Absolutely! Visitors are welcomed to take photographs inside the cathedral, so be sure to bring your camera or phone. Reddit

Late afternoon can be ideal as the sunlight filters through the stained glass, creating beautiful light and color. Reddit

Generally, photography is welcomed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage or requests from staff. Reddit

Tripod usage might be restricted to avoid obstructing other visitors or damaging the interior. It's advisable to check with staff on-site if you plan to use one. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Old St. Paul's can be a fascinating visit for families. The unique wooden architecture and the vibrant stained glass windows are visually engaging for children. The opportunity to climb to the top offers a sense of adventure and a rewarding view. TikTok

Keep in mind that parking is limited, so planning your transport is key. The donation-based entry is also family-friendly, allowing you to contribute what you feel is appropriate. Encourage kids to look for different shapes and colors in the stained glass to make the visit interactive.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Old St. Paul's is a dream location. The interplay of light through the stained glass, the intricate wooden details, and the overall Gothic revival style offer endless creative possibilities. Reddit

Weekday mornings are ideal for capturing the interior without the distraction of large crowds. The climb to the top also provides unique vantage points for cityscape photography. Remember to be respectful of the sacred space and other visitors while you capture its beauty. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will appreciate Old St. Paul's as a significant example of 19th-century Gothic revival architecture. Its construction in the 1860s represents a distinct period in architectural history, with its extensive use of wood being a notable feature. Reddit

Learning about the craftsmanship and the historical context of its creation adds depth to the visit. The welcoming nature of the staff and their openness to questions can provide valuable insights into the building's past and its significance. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Marvel of Old St. Paul's

Old St. Paul's is a remarkable example of Gothic revival architecture, primarily constructed from wood. Its distinctive wooden arches create a unique and warm interior atmosphere, setting it apart from many stone cathedrals. The building's construction in the 1860s showcases a commitment to traditional craftsmanship and design principles of the era. Reddit

Visitors often praise the vintage vibes and the beautiful woodworking that defines the space. The intricate details and the sheer scale of the wooden structures are a testament to the skill of the artisans who built it. This focus on wood as a primary building material gives Old St. Paul's a special character that resonates with those who appreciate historical architecture. Reddit

Beyond the woodwork, the cathedral also features stunning stained glass windows. These windows not only add to the aesthetic beauty but also play a crucial role in illuminating the interior with vibrant, colored light, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the place. Instagram

Experiencing Old St. Paul's: Beyond the Architecture

Visiting Old St. Paul's offers more than just an architectural tour; it's an experience that engages multiple senses. The sense of reverence within its walls is palpable, making it a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Visitors frequently mention being welcomed with smiles and encouraged to ask questions, highlighting the friendly and open atmosphere. Reddit

For those seeking a unique perspective, the opportunity to climb to the top of the building is a must-do. This ascent, though involving a significant number of steps, rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It's an adventure that adds an active element to the visit, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of exploration. TikTok

Additionally, Old St. Paul's often hosts small, intimate events, making it a sought-after venue for gatherings. The combination of its beautiful interiors and welcoming environment makes it a memorable location for both personal reflection and special occasions. Reddit

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