St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur

About St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur

St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin, is a historic Anglican church located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The cathedral was originally built in 1894 and has since undergone several renovations and restorations. It is considered to be one of the oldest Anglican churches in the region and is an important landmark in the city.


The cathedral's architecture is a blend of British and local Malay styles, with a striking red-brick exterior and an interior featuring stained glass windows and ornate carvings. The cathedral's main hall is a grand space, with a high vaulted ceiling and a large altar at the front. The pews and furnishings are made of dark wood and are intricately carved.


St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur is an active church and holds regular services for its congregation. It also serves as a venue for weddings, concerts, and other special events. The cathedral's choir is well-known for its beautiful renditions of hymns and choral music.


Visitors to St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur can join one of the guided tours that are offered throughout the week. These tours provide a fascinating insight into the cathedral's history and architecture, as well as the Anglican faith. Visitors can also attend one of the regular services, which are open to the public.


St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur is located in the city center, just a short walk from many of Kuala Lumpur's other major attractions, such as Merdeka Square and the Petronas Twin Towers. It is easily accessible by public transport and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or religion.

Highlights For St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur

Historic architecture

The cathedral's unique blend of British and Malay architectural styles makes it a visually striking building that is unlike anything else in Kuala Lumpur.

Beautiful stained glass windows

The cathedral's interior is adorned with stunning stained glass windows that depict biblical scenes and other religious iconography.

Intricate carvings

The wooden pews and furnishings inside the cathedral are intricately carved with religious and historical motifs, making them a sight to behold.

Regular services

St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur is an active church that holds regular services for its congregation. Visitors can attend one of these services to experience the atmosphere of this beautiful space.

Guided tours

The cathedral offers guided tours that provide a fascinating insight into the history and architecture of the building, as well as the Anglican faith.

Central location

St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur is located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible and a great starting point for exploring other nearby attractions.

Choir performances

The cathedral's choir is known for its beautiful renditions of hymns and choral music, and visitors may have the chance to witness a performance during their visit.

Special events

St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur also serves as a venue for weddings, concerts, and other special events, making it a versatile and important part of the city's cultural scene.

Highlights For St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur
History of St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur
Know Before You Go St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur
Tips to Visit St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur
  • Historic architecture: The cathedral's unique blend of British and Malay architectural styles makes it a visually striking building that is unlike anything else in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Beautiful stained glass windows: The cathedral's interior is adorned with stunning stained glass windows that depict biblical scenes and other religious iconography.
  • Intricate carvings: The wooden pews and furnishings inside the cathedral are intricately carved with religious and historical motifs, making them a sight to behold.

  • Regular services: St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur is an active church that holds regular services for its congregation. Visitors can attend one of these services to experience the atmosphere of this beautiful space.
  • Guided tours: The cathedral offers guided tours that provide a fascinating insight into the history and architecture of the building, as well as the Anglican faith.
  • Central location: St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur is located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible and a great starting point for exploring other nearby attractions.
  • Choir performances: The cathedral's choir is known for its beautiful renditions of hymns and choral music, and visitors may have the chance to witness a performance during their visit.
  • Special events: St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur also serves as a venue for weddings, concerts, and other special events, making it a versatile and important part of the city's cultural scene.
  • St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur was established in 1887 by British colonial administrator Sir Frank Swettenham.
  • The original church building was a simple wooden structure, but it was later replaced by a brick building in 1894.
  • In 1903, the cathedral was elevated to the status of a diocese and was officially named the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and St. Mary.
  • During World War II, the cathedral was damaged by bombing and was used as a prisoner-of-war camp by the Japanese army.
  • After the war, the cathedral was rebuilt and expanded. The current building features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, and Moorish.
  • St Mary's Cathedral has played an important role in the development of the Anglican Church in Southeast Asia. It has been the site of numerous ordinations, consecrations, and other important events.
  • Today, St Mary's Cathedral is one of the oldest and most prominent landmarks in Kuala Lumpur. It serves as the seat of the Anglican bishop of West Malaysia and is a popular tourist destination for its rich history and beautiful architecture.

Location: Jalan Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Timing: Monday to Sunday - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm


How To Reach:

By bus:

Visitors can take the RapidKL bus to Merdeka Square and walk for approximately 5 minutes to reach the cathedral. Here are some bus routes that pass by Merdeka Square:


RapidKL Bus U60 from Pasar Seni LRT Station

RapidKL Bus B115 from Mid Valley Megamall

RapidKL Bus B103 from Bangsar LRT Station


By train:

The nearest train station to St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur is the Masjid Jamek station, which is located approximately 1.5 km away. From there, visitors can either walk or take a taxi or bus to the cathedral. Alternatively, visitors can take the KTM Komuter train to Kuala Lumpur station, which is located approximately 2 km away from the cathedral.


  • Dress appropriately: As it is an active place of worship, visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or revealing clothing.
  • Be respectful: Keep in mind that the cathedral is a sacred space and maintain a respectful demeanor during your visit. Avoid talking loudly or using your phone while inside the building.
  • Photography: Photography is allowed inside the cathedral, but make sure to ask for permission before taking pictures of any individuals or sensitive areas.
  • Join a guided tour: The guided tours offered by the cathedral provide a wealth of information about the building's history and architecture, making it a worthwhile investment of your time.
  • Check service schedules: If you're interested in attending a service at the cathedral, make sure to check the schedule beforehand to avoid any potential conflicts.
  • Plan your visit: St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur is located in the city center, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid heavy traffic and crowded areas.
  • Support the cathedral: Consider making a donation or purchasing souvenirs from the cathedral's gift shop to support the upkeep of this historic building.

FAQs For St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur

What are the opening hours of St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur?

The cathedral is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

What is the dress code for visiting St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur?

Visitors are advised to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing or inappropriate clothing.

Are photography and videography allowed inside the cathedral?

Yes, photography and videography are allowed inside the cathedral. However, flash photography and tripod usage are not permitted.

Is St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cathedral is wheelchair accessible with ramps and an elevator available.

Are there guided tours available for St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur?

Yes, guided tours are available upon request. Visitors can contact the cathedral office for more information.

What is the history of St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur?

St Mary's Cathedral Kuala Lumpur was built in 1894 and was originally a simple wooden structure. It has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years and is now one of the oldest and most prominent landmarks in Kuala Lumpur.

thrillophilia-logo

The content and images used on this site are copyright protected and copyrights vests with the respective owners.

© 2025 www.mykualalumpurpass.com All rights reserved.