I am not sure this place is worth a visit for the general tourist but I would certainly recommend it to a Catholic visitor looking to celebrate mass. It does not look like much from the outside and there are many vagrants and beggars in the vicinity even though it is opposite the South African parliament building. It is rather subdued and cold inside compared with the churches I am used to in Brazil and some of the Stations of the Cross look almost like abstract paintings. However, it has a good atmosphere and I was welcomed by the priest after Sunday mass. I attended several masses and it was a pleasure to be a brief part of this Cape Town community where people of all backgrounds come together in spiritual communion.

This is the oldest Catholic Cathedral in South Africa. It opened its doors on 28th April,1851. It is very simple but beautiful and like with all Churches -- you feel a peace come over you when you enter. There were a few homeless people sleeping in their makeshift 'homes' outside the Church, however, the municipality was there on that particular day to move them along. The homeless did not bother us at all. Went into the Church which was cool (temperature). It was a hot day having walked through the park to get to the Church. We met with a very helpful gentleman who was helping out in the Church getting everything ready for Mass. We were told that there would be a French Mass in the hour we were there, but we just spent our own time reflecting and praying in this beautiful Church. Glad we were able to get inside. Take some change if you want to light some candles. I saw them priced at R2 per candle. Not sure if the gentleman was a priest (he was not in robes), but he even turned the lights on for us to take a couple of quick pictures. Note if you do attend Mass it may take about 45 mins to an hour.