Sitting high on Wombat Hill, looking down on the township, the imposing grey building of the Convent is a stark contrast to the colourful gardens and sculptures in the gardens surrounding it.
We spent ages wandering around the grounds, admiring the setting and the views.
Inside, the former Convent and Boarding School for Girls has been wonderfully restored and maintained.
Our first stop was the basement. The lower floor houses a music room/museum filled with memorabilia from the buiding's
former life. School uniforms, rosary beads and bibles were displayed on
tables, and icons adorned the walls. It took me back to my Catholic
School upbringing in Warburton, where the nuns at my tiny school lived
in the convent next door. We hardly ever got to venture inside, but I
remember rooms looking similar to this - dimly lit and kinda spooky.
Next, we climbed the steep stairs to the narrow top floor, once the site of the convent's infirmary. This level has
been left in its original, derelict condition. The bell tower (sans
bell) offers views across Daylesford.
Down to the middle floor, where several galleries and function rooms are situated. The Convent is popular for weddings, with a beautiful chapel on site.
I remember coming here for dinner about 9 years ago on a work conference and it was a really enjoyable evening.
The Convent Gallery is a great way to spend a relaxing few hours in Daylesford.
The Convent Gallery is a great way to spend a relaxing few hours in Daylesford.
What: Convent Gallery
Where:7 Daly St, Daylesford
When: Daily 10:00am-4:00pm
Why:art, history
How Much: $5
Nearby: Wombat Hill
Nearby: Wombat Hill
No comments:
Post a Comment