The Most Beautiful Department Store in the Southern Hemisphere

Some say this is the most beautiful department store in the Southern Hemisphere. While I haven't visited all the department stores in the Southern Hemisphere to confirm, the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is undoubtedly a must-visit attraction in Sydney. It is said to have been built to commemorate Queen Victoria's 50th anniversary of ascension to the throne. Originally a marketplace, it now primarily houses luxury boutiques. The QVB's exterior features a Byzantine-style dome with Romanesque architecture, while its interior is lavishly decorated, including two large hanging clocks. The staircases on both sides of the atrium are adorned with stunning stained glass, making them a popular backdrop for tourist photos. The QVB also boasts numerous cafes and restaurants, with some seating arranged along the department store's walkways. Sitting down for a coffee here gives you the illusion of being transported back to the 19th century. Looking up at the dome from the atrium, it is said that a confidential document written by Queen Elizabeth II in 1986 is stored there. This document is set to be publicly read by the Sydney mayor to the city's residents in 2085. I imagine that moment will not only capture global attention but also inspire movie plots akin to 'The Da Vinci Code.' Who knows, the letter might even reveal that Transformers have been living among us for centuries 🤣🤣