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Church · Stanley, Malvina Oriental (East Falkland)
Christ Church Cathedral
Stanley's Anglican cathedral, built of stone and brick, consecrated in 1892 on Ross Road facing the harbour. In front sits the arco de ossos de baleia, made from the jaws of two blue whales.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Christ Church Cathedral
The Catedral de Cristo is Stanley's Anglican church and the southernmost Anglican cathedral in the world. It stands on Ross Road, the waterfront street, on the site of the former Holy Trinity Church, which was destroyed in 1886 by a peat slide that affected part of the town. The new building was designed by English architect Arthur Blomfield and built between 1890 and 1892 from local stone and brick; it was consecrated in February 1892.
From the outside the tower with its red roof is striking, a distinctive feature of Stanley's skyline as seen from the harbour. Inside there are 19th- and 20th-century stained glass windows, a pipe organ made in Ireland and a tower with five bells. Plaques and flags on the walls recall the islands' maritime history.
In front of the cathedral stands the arco de ossos de baleia, erected in 1933 with the jaws of two blue whales. It is the town's most photographed spot and recalls the time when Stanley served as a base for whaling and sealing in the South Atlantic.
Around it, along Ross Road, are wooden houses with colorful roofs, small gardens and views of the harbour. The cathedral is an active church with services on Sundays; outside service times it is usually open to visitors.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 to 30 minutes, including the arco de ossos de baleia.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, outside service times and with side light on the tower and the arch. On cruise days the front of the cathedral fills around midday.
How to get there
It is on Ross Road in central Stanley, a few minutes' walk from the quay where cruise passengers disembark and from the tourist information centre.
Tip
Photograph the arco de ossos de baleia with the cathedral tower in the background, on the other side of Ross Road. If the ship is in port, go early before the groups.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Christ Church Cathedral
What is the arch in front of the Catedral de Cristo made of?
From the jaws of two blue whales. The arch was erected in 1933.
When was the Catedral de Cristo built?
Between 1890 and 1892, after the previous church was destroyed by a turf landslide in 1886. It was consecrated in February 1892.
Can you enter the cathedral?
Yes, it is usually open for visits outside service times. Please respect Sunday worship services.
Why is the Catedral de Cristo known?
It is the southernmost Anglican cathedral in the world and, together with the whale-bone arch, the best-known image of Stanley.