Description of the attraction
In the heart of Sydney rises an impressive sandstone building - Sydney City Hall. The Queen Victoria Building is directly opposite this city landmark, and not far from St. Andrew's Cathedral. The location between the bustling Town Hall tube station and the city's downtown area has made the Town Hall a popular meeting point for city dwellers.
Sydney City Hall was built in the 1880s on the site of an old cemetery. The late Victorian building has been described as "a lavishly decorated structure with a central tower and a fancy roof." Today it remains the only non-religious building in Sydney that has retained its original interior and since the day of its construction has performed the same function - it houses the House of the City Council and the administration of the Mayor of Sydney. The main hall - the Hall of the Century - houses the world's largest mechanical organ, built in 1886-1889 and installed in 1890. Before the opening of the Sydney Opera House, it was in the Town Hall that the main city concert hall was located, in which various events were held.
The steps leading up to the City Hall have long been a popular meeting point for Sydney residents. However, the city has recently adopted a number of measures to restrict gatherings on these steps during the day, and also posted night guards, which is explained by the increased incidence of attacks and damage to city property with graffiti drawings.
Today, Sydney Town Hall is listed as a National Treasure of Australia.
