What is the General Post Office building in Sydney?
The General Post Office, or GPO, is a grand sandstone building on Martin Place in Sydney, built between 1866 and 1891. Designed by colonial architect James Barnet, it is one of the city's finest Victorian buildings.
The building stretches along Martin Place, with a long colonnade of arches and a tall clock tower. Its Italian Renaissance style reflected the wealth and confidence of colonial Sydney.
Carved sandstone figures on the facade showed everyday colonial life. Some were criticised at the time for portraying ordinary people rather than classical figures.
Clock tower
The clock tower was dismantled during the Second World War because officials feared it could be a target or landmark for enemy bombers. It was rebuilt and restored in the 1960s.
After Australia Post moved most operations elsewhere, the building was redeveloped in the 1990s and now houses a luxury hotel, restaurants and shops, while keeping its heritage features.
Martin Place, the pedestrian plaza in front of the GPO, is Sydney's main civic space, home to the Cenotaph war memorial where Anzac Day ceremonies are held. The GPO is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.
Did You Know?
Distances from Sydney were once measured from the GPO.