Shrine of Remembrance description and photos - Australia: Melbourne (Topic)

Shrine of Remembrance description and photos - Australia: Melbourne. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Shrine of Remembrance.

Photo & Description

Located in Melbourne, the Memorial Monument is one of Australia's largest war memorials. It was built in memory of the people of Victoria who served in the army during the First World War, but today it is considered a monument to all Australians who died in the wars. Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) and Remembrance Day (November 11) are celebrated every year at the complex.

For the first time they started talking about the construction of a war memorial right after the end of the First World War, in 1918. A special committee was created and a competition for the best project was announced, which was chosen only in 1922. But the first stone in its foundation was laid only five years later. Construction work continued for another seven years - from 1927 to 1934.

The architects of the complex were World War I veterans Philip Hudson and James Wardrop. They decided to make the main building in the style of classicism, and took as a basis the Mausoleum at Helicarnassus and the Athenian Parthenon. The site for the construction of the Memorial was chosen very well - on a hill among the Royal Gardens overlooking the front boulevard of Melbourne. In the center of the building there is a sanctuary surrounded by a gallery, and in the sanctuary itself there is a Stone of Remembrance, on which the phrase "Greater love hath no man" is carved. Moreover, this Stone was positioned so that every year on November 11 at 11 o'clock in the morning a sunbeam, passing through a special hole, illuminates the word "love". Thousands of people gather to watch this exciting spectacle every year, and not one leaves without tears.

Under the sanctuary there is a Funeral Hall with bronze statues of father and son, and on its walls there are panels listing all the units of the Australian army that participated in the First and Second World Wars. In 2002-2003, a visitor center was built here, which hosts educational programs, exhibitions and public lectures.

A mirror pond was once located in front of the entrance to the memorial, but after the Second World War it was replaced by a square with an Eternal Flame.

We also recommend reading Church of Sao Goncalo (Igreja de Sao Goncalo) description and photos - Portugal: Amaranti

Topic: Shrine of Remembrance description and photos - Australia: Melbourne.