Members' Visit: Bishop's Palace and Presbytery

The former Bishop’s Palace and Presbytery at 277 Rattray Street was built in 1871 for George Duncan, an early Dunedin settler, businessman and politician. Designed in the Italianate villa style, the substantial stone residence occupies a prominent site above the intersection of Rattray and Smith Streets and remains an important part of Dunedin’s nineteenth-century built heritage.

Purchased by the Catholic Diocese in 1872, the property served as the residence of Dunedin’s bishops and clergy for more than 125 years. Situated alongside St Joseph’s Cathedral, St Dominic’s Priory and other significant Catholic buildings, it formed part of the religious and administrative centre of the city’s Catholic community. More recently, the building was known to many Dunedin residents as the "Hogwartz" backpackers hostel.

Online ticket sales will close on 15 June.

Please note: You must be a current financial member of the Southern Heritage Trust in order to book tickets for this tour.