St. Mary’s Cathedral is a historic and iconic church located in the capital city of Nuku’alofa in the Kingdom of Tonga. Here is some information about the cathedral:
History: St. Mary’s Cathedral was built in the late 1800s by the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga. The church was built using coral limestone, which was a common building material in Tonga at the time. The cathedral was completed in 1894 and was named in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Description: St. Mary’s Cathedral is an impressive building with a traditional Tongan design. It features a large central dome and two smaller domes on either side. The exterior of the cathedral is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations, including a large wooden cross at the front of the building.
Inside, the cathedral is spacious and airy, with high ceilings and a simple yet elegant design. The interior features wooden pews, a large altar, and stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Christ.
St. Mary’s Cathedral is also home to a pipe organ, which was installed in the early 1900s and is still in use today. The organ was built by the famous organ builder William Hill & Son and is one of only a few Hill organs still in use in the South Pacific.
Visiting: St. Mary’s Cathedral is open to visitors for worship services and tours. Visitors are welcome to attend services, which are held in English and Tongan, or to take a self-guided tour of the cathedral. Guided tours are also available upon request.
Overall, St. Mary’s Cathedral is a beautiful and historic church that is an important part of Tongan culture and history. Whether you are interested in religious history or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, a visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral is well worth your time.