It wasn't until 1821 that the Catholic Church was granted land by Governor Macquarie to build a church. The first St. Mary's was built in 1821, but a fire destroyed the chapel. Restoration work on today's cathedral began in 1868. The spires that were planned by designers in the 1800's have only recently been re-installed. The church features some fine stain-glass windows and a terrazzo floor in the crypt where exhibitions are often held. At the entrance to the church are statues of Cardinal Moran and Archbishop Kelly, who are considered to be the forefathers of the Catholic Church in Sydney. Tours of the cathedral take place at 12pm Sundays