Top 6 Architectural Buildings in Bendigo

1. The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, in Bendigo Victoria, is the biggest Buddhist stupa in the Western world. It has the same impressive size and design as The Great Stupa of Gyantse in Tibet, and it dominates the landscape at 48 metres in height.

Of the holy objects on display in the stupa the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace is the most famous. It’s the largest Buddha in the world that was carved from gem quality jade.

 

 

As well as admiring other holy relics and works of arts, visitors can take a walk round the Peace Park and learn about Buddhism.

For more information about The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion visit the website.

2. Eaglehawk Courthouse

Located in Eaglehawk, the historic courthouse stands behind the town hall. It’s a relatively small building made from red brick that is representative of the Victorian Free Classical design. This includes a triple arch motif that was often used in the creation of public buildings at the time.

Opened in 1869, the courthouse is unusual in that it has a porch with a side entrance rather than a veranda open colonnade. It also features detailing in cream brick that helps it to stand out in the architectural landscape of the area.

It’s not only the exterior of the building that is impressive. It also houses a range of interesting local history archives that are popular with visitors to what now serves as a museum.

The courthouse is open from 1pm to 4pm on a Sunday and can also be visited by appointment.

3. Eaglehawk Log Lock Up

The Eaglehawk log lock-up is located next to the courthouse. It was built prior to the current courthouse building, in 1855. Its original use was as a temporary place to hold prisoners and people awaiting trial.

The lock-up is a popular sight with locals and visitors alike as it’s one of only five similar buildings still surviving in Victoria, and it’s one of the most intact examples around.

Bush hardwood logs were used in the construction of the lock-up. Fourteen of these 30-centimetre logs were stacked on top of each other to form the walls and then crossed at the corners. The door of the building is made from solid timber.

An inspection of the Eaglehawk log lock-up can be arranged by the Eaglehawk Courthouse Museum.

4. Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sacred Heart Cathedral stands tall in the landscape of Bendigo. The foundations of the building are made from granite and the walls are made from sandstone.

 

 

The original stage of the building structure was designed by William Tappin in English Gothic style and the building process was completed by Thomas Cockram and Son. For the second stage of construction, Alan Ralton and Frank Turner took over as architects with a superintendent of works overseeing the building process.

Attractive features of the cathedral include the floor of Calacatta Vagli Extra marble from Italy and the stained-glass window at the western end which was made by John Hardman & Co. of Birmingham.

5. Yi Yuan Gardens and the Golden Dragon Museum

Visitors to the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo have a pleasant surprise awaiting them if they step into the beautiful Yi Yuan Gardens. There are pathways and buildings to explore.

The gardens are also home to an attractive water feature with fish. It’s a tranquil space to relax and enjoy the surrounding design features.

6. Former Royal Bank

This fine example of art nouveau design was built in 1908. At the time, it served as the home of the Royal Bank. Later, it became the base of Colonial Mutual Life.

Today, the three-storey, William Beebe and George Garvin designed building is still a feature of the Bendigo business district where it welcomes customers as a restaurant and bar.