• Deceptichum@quokk.auOP
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      4 months ago

      I only learnt about them from a video I was watching earlier, but Coffee Palaces were built as an alcohol-free alternatives to pubs modeled after European coffee houses but using the insane wealth of the time - Melbourne is often considered the world’s richest city in 1880 due to gold rush; to make them attractive to customers.

      We should all have many and it’s a shame they’re gone.

      • Contentedness@lemmy.nz
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        4 months ago

        The Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne is also stunning. Turns out it was also build in 1880.

      • Victor@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        Looks insane, like 7 or 8 stories high, with a tower. Incredible architecture and wealth.