Many seasoned travelers and tourists have compared numerous attractions that they have seen from one country to another. Some have even thought of them as structures akin to those which are famous and legendary.
In our today’s post, we pick five structures in and around Sydney that reminds most, if not all, of their counterparts.
Russian Old Rite Orthodox Christian Church
In the suburb of Lidcombe, approximately 14 km west of Sydney, stands a majestic, white and golden Russian Orthodox Church. At first glance, such a structure reminds onlookers of the famous landmark in Moscow, the Kremlin, minus the flamboyant colours. Although smaller in comparison to most Russian Orthodox churches, it still has the elegant and sophisticated onion dome, which is typical to many of them. Besides this, it also bears the golden colour, which traditionally signifies the Heavenly Kingdom.
The Russian Old Orthodox Church of the Holy is located at 61 Vaughn Street, Lidcombe.
AWA Tower
This tower would not be missed as it resembles the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Interestingly, it was patterned from the iconic and romantic landmark. Additional information on this Eiffel Tower “twin” is written in our previous post, Five Striking Sydney Modern Buildings.
Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse
Along the banks of the Sydney Darling Harbour is a modest yet towering and historical lighthouse. The Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse near the Australian National Maritime Museum was built in 1874 and stands approximately 22 meters. Its name is derived from its previous location, Cape Bowling Green, which is located 70 km south of Townsville in North Queensland.
This historical structure is comparable to numerous lighthouses that were built during the same era. It is reminiscent of the evolving architectural designs of colonial Australia. During those times, most lighthouse structures were designed by architects in contrast to engineers of our modern time. Thus, it is a symbol and a reminder of Australia’s maritime past.
The lighthouse was dismantled in 1987 to give way to a newer and modern structure. However, in 1994, the old lighthouse was re-erected at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour.
Sydney Conservatorium of Music
In the western side of the Royal Botanic Gardens stands a Gothic inspired castle where neither kings nor queens live but students learning their musicality. The Sydney Conservatorium of Music, as it is known, is built in 1821 and designed by a convicted architect by the name of Francis Greenway under the instructions of Governor Macquarie. It was initially a stables building for the Government House and was converted to a conservatorium in 1912.
Its structural design is reminiscent of medieval castles of olden times, many of which are seen in Europe. The Sydney Conservatorium of Music depicts how architecture of colonial Australia is very much influenced by British structural designs.
Hyde Park Obelisk
Washington DC is known for its statuesque landmark, the Washington Monument. In Sydney, a lesser known obelisk is also erected at the intersection of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets in Hyde Park.
The Hyde Park Obelisk is 22 meters high, and was built as a sewerage vent back in 1857. However, today it has become a historic reminder of the capability of a cosmopolitan city to embrace modern and colonial architecture despite rapid urbanisation.
In 2007, the obelisk marked its 150th anniversary and was hailed the oldest structure in Hyde Park.
Hi Michael, thanks for sharing some interesting structures in Sydney. I CAN see the resemblance which is great. We have just moved house back to Sydney so I will keep an eye out for these features as we visit the city.
You’re welcome! I hope you’ll enjoy moving back here. 🙂
Great pictures. I often read your site. Very entertaining to someone like me who likes travel blogs.
Thank you very much for dropping by our blog. We certainly appreciate your compliments! 🙂
Very interesting post! I liked it.
We’re pleased that you like it! 🙂
Nice post and aaah I miss Sydney now!