Rusconi’s Marble Masterpiece

Rusconi's Marble Masterpiece is one of Gundagai's most remarkable attractions, proudly displayed inside the Gundagai Visitor Information Centre.

Created by master stonemason Frank Rusconi, the intricate miniature cathedral is made from more than 20,000 individual pieces of marble, each carefully cut, turned and polished by hand.

Born in Araluen, New South Wales, in 1874, Rusconi spent much of his childhood and early career in Europe, where he trained in the marble trade and worked on major buildings including Westminster Cathedral in London and the Sacré-Cœur in Paris.

After returning to Australia, Rusconi became a passionate advocate for Australian marble, determined to demonstrate the quality and beauty of locally sourced stone.

Rusconi began work on his Marble Masterpiece in 1910. Over almost three decades, he dedicated thousands of hours to shaping and assembling the extraordinary structure. Every piece was worked by hand using tools he made himself, including a treadle lathe adapted from a sewing machine. Remarkably, no plans or drawings were used.

Visitors can admire the Marble Masterpiece in its purpose-built display, alongside original tools used by Rusconi and marble samples from the region.

More than a miniature building, Rusconi's Marble Masterpiece tells an extraordinary story of craftsmanship, patience, innovation and regional pride.