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Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square is the urban heart of Christchurch. As its name suggests, it's directly in front of the city's most famous cathedral - Christ Church.

The cathedral was designed in the gothic revival style by prominent English architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. Although its foundation stone was laid in 1864, construction wasn't complete until 1904. The timber was sourced from Banks Peninsula - over 50,000 pieces of matai and totara were used in the roof alone. The stone was sourced from Castle Hill in the Canterbury high country, from Amberly in North Canterbury and from the nearby Port Hills. Open every day, Christ Church welcomes visitors. For a small charge you can climb the Cathedral Tower and enjoy the amazing views of the central city.

For many years Cathedral Square was a busy road intersection, but today much of it is closed to traffic. Several large hotels are situated around the perimeter of the square and there's an information centre opposite the cathedral. Regularly, you'll hear the rattle and "ding ding" of an approaching tram. The Christchurch Tramway plies a circular route around the city's major highlights - you can jump on one of the restored historic trams at any time and buy tickets from the driver.
 


 
CHRISTCHURCH - CANTERBURY Region

More Information

This highlight has Literary Significance. Find out more from the NZ Book Council.

Contact Details

Contact: Christchurch i-SITE Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 3 3799 629
Fax: +64 3 3772 424
Postal: PO Box 2600 Christchurch
Website: www.christchurchinformation.co.nz

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