Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is Melbourne's principal war memorial, built to honour the Victorians who served in World War I and later expanded to commemorate all Australians who have served in wartime. The Greco-Egyptian structure sits at the southern end of St Kilda Road, commanding a view up the boulevard to the CBD. The Avenue of Honour, lined with elms, makes a fine approach on foot.

The memorial's interior contains the Sanctuary, which holds the original flame and the Stone of Remembrance, and a museum in the lower levels covering Australia's military history from the Boer War to present-day peacekeeping operations. The roof gives exceptional views over the Botanic Gardens and city. Entry to the building is free; the elevated platform requires a small fee. ANZAC Day (25 April) brings enormous crowds for the dawn service.

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The shrine was built over a decade of fundraising and public controversy before opening in 1934. Its most carefully designed feature is the Stone of Remembrance in the inner sanctuary, inscribed with the words "Greater love hath no man." The shrine was oriented so that at exactly 11 am on November 11 each year, a ray of natural light falls through an aperture in the roof and illuminates the word "love" in the inscription. The effect now requires mirrors because later construction blocked the original sight line.

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