Page 392 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

390  VIC T ORIA

in the early 1990s. During the
ceiling restoration, treasures
from the 1860s, such as a
painting of angels, stars and a
coat of arms, were discovered
and beautifully restored.
Vandalized statues have since
been replaced by faithful copies.
The church holds regular
services, and has one of Australia’s
most celebrated resident choirs.

Vegetable stall in Queen Victoria Market
1Queen Victoria delicious range of local and
Market imported cheeses, cured meats
and continental pastries. Every
Elizabeth, Therry, Peel & Victoria sts. Wednesday from November
Map 1 B2. Tel (03) 9320 5822. to February there is a Night
£ Flagstaff & Melbourne Central Market (5–10pm).
(Elizabeth St exit). v Elizabeth St
routes. Open 6am–2pm Tue & Thu;
6am–5pm Fri; 6am–3pm Sat; 9am–4pm 2St Francis’ Church
Sun. Closed public hols. 7 8
∑ qvm.com.au 326 Lonsdale St. Map 1 C2. Tel (03)
9663 2495. £ Melbourne Central.
Melbourne’s main fresh produce v Elizabeth St routes. Open 7am– Roof detail of St Francis’ Church
and general goods market has 6:30pm daily. 7 8 by arrangement.
a strange history, occupying the ∑ stfrancismelbourne.org.au 3Supreme Court
site of the original Melbourne 210 William St. Map 1 B3.Tel (03) 9603
General Cemetery, which was St Francis’ Church today is 9300. £ Flagstaff. v City Circle &
first used in 1837. In 1877, the Australia’s busiest Roman Bourke St routes. Open 9:30am–4pm
idea of converting part of the Catholic church, with 10,000 Mon–Fri (5pm Fri); courts sit
original cemetery into a market­ visitors each week. Built 10am–4:15pm. 7 ^
place for fruit and vegetables between 1841 and 1845 on
was considered a practical one. the site of an earlier church, When the Port Phillip district
At the time, it involved the it is also Victoria’s oldest. was still part of the New South
relocation of only three graves. Renowned for its beauty, Wales colony, criminal and
However, the choice created the church began as a simple important civil cases were
controversy which did not Neo­Gothic building and has heard in Sydney. To ease the
settle down for some time, as undergone many alterations. inconvenience, Melbourne’s
the market’s popularity made It was the target of a $2.8 million first resident judge arrived in
it necessary to acquire further restoration appeal, and major 1841 to set up a Supreme Court
portions of the cemetery. renovations were completed in the city. Following the
In 1917, an act of Parliament
granted the removal of the
remains. However, only 900
were taken away. The rest still lie
there, mainly under the car park.
Today the complex, occupying
7 ha (17 acres), attracts 130,000
visitors per week. Its decorative
high­vaulted ceilings and
open sides add to its ornate
atmosphere. About 1,000 stalls
sell fresh fruit and vegetables,
fish, meat, cheese, organic food
and souvenirs and clothing. The
impressive variety of produce
on offer reflects Melbourne’s
multicultural makeup. The Deli
Hall is a highlight, with a Domed library in the Supreme Court
For hotels and restaurants in this area see pp493–4 and pp526–9