St Francis Xavier Cathedral
St Francis Xavier Cathedral
St Francis Xavier Cathedral
4.5
6:45 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:45 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:45 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:45 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:45 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:45 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 6:15 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM - 6:15 PM
About
St Francis Xavier Cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in Geraldton. Designed and built by the famous Architect/Priest Monsignor John Hawes, it attracts visitors from all over the world. The Cathedral is open every day . Guided Tours are available Sunday, Monday & Wednesday at 2:30 Friday at 4:00 Tickets ($5) are available from the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre adjacent to the Cathedral.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
169 reviews
Excellent
99
Very good
60
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Linda C
Moorpark, CA1,042 contributions
Mar 2020
One doesn't expect to see such a lovely cathedral in a small, remote area like Geraldton. The pretty basilica was built by Monsignor John Cyril Hawes in 1915 and recently restored at a staggering cost. The made with local stone design is Baroque and Romanesque. The interior was painted to resemble the great Mezquita in Cordoba, Spain. Since I immediately noticed the resemblance, it was somewhat effective. If you love architecture, you'll enjoy this.
Written May 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting Linda C. The Cathedral is very unusual and visitors are often amazed to find such an 'exotic' building in such a remote location.
Written July 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dan L
Bunbury, Australia9,032 contributions
Dec 2022
We decided to spend the day in the city with many of our fellow cruisers, shore excursions to attractions further afield sold out months earlier. We decided to head up Cathedral Avenue and revisit St Francis Xavier Cathedral as Covid restrictions were in place when we visited in 2021. It seemed that many of our fellow travellers had similar ideas, and all seemed very interested in the story behind the Cathedral and Monsignor Hawes. Warmly welcomed when we arrived and headed to view the crypt, closed when we last visited. The volunteer guide was very knowledgeable, and I left with a good understanding of the relics and reliquaries, various saints and the Honour Boards for fallen soldiers. I rejoined my wife near the main entry and spend some further time in the nave. An architectural masterpiece and a House of Worship.
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased you were able to revisit after your Covid-time experience. Our volunteer guides are very happy to show off our magnificent cathedral,
Written March 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lorraine L
Tarwin Lower, Australia3,584 contributions
Sep 2021
A beautiful cathedral inside and out. It was designed by Monsignor John Hawes who built the church in Mullewa all by himself and the outside of both building are very similar. The inside of St. Francis is very reminiscent of the Mesquite in Cordoba in Spain mainly because of the decorative arches throughout the building. The underneath part of the building was locked off so we didn't get to see it but we were told it is even more interesting so my recommendation would be if you are going to visit here book a tour where you will be able to access this lower part.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan L
Bunbury, Australia9,032 contributions
Sep 2020
The Cathedral dominates the Avenue and is the largest and most imposing work of Priest and Architect John Hawes with construction completed between 1916 - 1938. An imposing building with the twin domed towers and large central dome. The interior is equally impressive with the nave flanked by pillars, the lantern under the dome, the arch over the high altar and the circular stained glass windows. Both my wife and I were taken aback with the coloring, horizontal stripes to the walls and vertical to the arches, very similar to that seen in the Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba ( Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption). The Cathedral also houses the largest carillon of church bells in Australia, 27, with 8 dating to the 12th century. Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre nearby tells the story of this remarkable man. There is also o sculpture of the monsignor and his dog, a labyrinth and fountain in the forecourt of the Cathedral.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your very detailed review and description of our Cathedral and Heritage Centre. You've captured the story perfectly.
Written May 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Connie R
5 contributions
Feb 2020
From the outside a very impressive building, great stonework. On the inside, it was truly a surprise: bright and colourfully painted (somehow it had an almost Spanish flair) - have never seen anything like this. Refreshingly different.
The new woodwork for the organ is a piece of art.
The new woodwork for the organ is a piece of art.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased you enjoyed your visit to St Francis Xavier Cathedral. The stone is local, from Nolba in the Chapman Valley, and yes the stripes give it a Spanish flair. John Hawes, the Priest/Architect who built the Cathedral, visited the Mosque/Cathedral in Cordoba Spain during the time the Cathedral was being built and it has a striking resemblance to the interior of that building. Thank you for your review. If you have time, the Museum dedicated to John Hawes which is adjacent to the Cathedral, is well worth a visit also.
Written February 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne J
Colchester, UK91 contributions
Jan 2020
We visited the museum dedicated to the architect first and were very moved by his story....A British man who was first ordained an Anglican but then followed his faith to become a Catholic priest, in Australia..... The staff were exceedingly kind and informative. The cathedral is a truly inspiring place and a has been updated but yet is still a tribute to the man who designed it....
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm so pleased you were able to visit the Museum before you saw the Cathedral. It certainly helps to give an appreciation of the design and craftsmanship that has gone into creating this iconic building. We are very proud of the restoration and enhancement work that has taken place over the past few years thanks to the contribution of the whole community.
Written February 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Global55166721477
1 contribution
Sep 2020
This is a must see. The Museum is new, beautifully executed with state of the art displays. The tour guide was excellent as she began the history tour outside of the Museum, then entering the Cathedral and into the Crypt. Plenty of time to view all that this lovely lady explained. Persons of any or no denomination should visit this magnificent building which has extensive historic significance - it is marvellous.
Written September 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad you enjoyed the tour and had time to visit the Heritage Centre as well. We have a great story to tell about our famous architect/priest John Hawes and love to show off our iconic Cathedral to our visitors.
Written October 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mjail5
Perth, Australia1,399 contributions
Jan 2021
This is our 3rd visit to Geraldton in the last 5 years and we never fail to stop by at the cathedral. This time it was just an overnight in Geraldton on our road trip to Coral Bay. Next time we have to timed it with a tour to fully appreciate the history.
However, thanks to the Museum in a nearby building which we visited for the first time, I learnt a lot on the life of the talented Architect/Priest Monsignor Hawes.
However, thanks to the Museum in a nearby building which we visited for the first time, I learnt a lot on the life of the talented Architect/Priest Monsignor Hawes.
Written January 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased you manged to spend time the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre. It's a great way to start your tour of the beautiful Cathedral next door. Hope to see you back soon.
Written May 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ITRT
Virginia45,683 contributions
Dec 2022
This cathedral and its history are amazing. Architect and priest John Cyril Hawes was invited to the Western Australia area by Bishop Kelly to design a cathedral for the new diocese. Father Hawes arrived in 1915 and construction of the church began in 1916. Built in three stages, it took 22 years to build partly because construction was halted when the new bishop arrived after Bishop Kelly died. The twin towers in front give the church a Spanish mission look. The interior has columns and arches. The orange and blue zebra-like stripping on the walls and arches. Its ceiling is made of wood. Small stained-glass windows are throughout the cathedral. There is a glass enclosed area near the main altar that contains the body of Bishop Kelly, the first bishop of Geraldton. A bronze effigy of Kelly was designed by Hawes. The organ is in two sections: one in front and one in the back of the cathedral. Near the main altar is a stairwell that takes you down to the crypt whose chapel is dedicated to those who died in World War I. The Geraldton Bells consist of 27 bells, and tunes are played every evening. Embedded in the church and opened during the Christmas season is the Hawes-designed Nativity. A parishioner said to note the lighting of the scene. It was designed to use the natural light of outside to shine upon the figures and the town behind the manger scene. Amazing visit.
Written February 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An amazing summary of your amazing visit. You certainly took it all in!
Written March 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pbh2015
Joondanna, Australia36 contributions
Sep 2021
We visited the Cathedral on Saturday afternoon and were very impressed with the colours and architectural style. Designed originally by Monsignor John Hawes around 1916, he went on to design and build many other churches and buildings in the mid-west. We returned that evening for 6.00 pm mass. A beautiful cathedral!
Written September 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hallo Freunde der St. Francis Xavier Cathedrale !
Ich war mit meiner Frau im Januar 2007 dort und die Kathedrale leider geschlossen. Auf der anderen Strassenseite war ein Park (Maitland?) und dort eine wunderschöne Sonnenuhr. Gibt es die Uhr noch? und kennt jemand den Künstler, der sie geschaffen hat? Danke für die Info
Written September 29, 2018
Hello Wolfgang. Thanks for your inquiry. The Iris Sundial was designed by local Geraldton man, Bill Newbold. The following articles, while quite old, will give you more information.
If you google newbold-hopes-for-sundial-ng-ya-332612 and
farewell-iris-and-bill-newbold there is more information for you.
Written November 26, 2018
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