Built in the Gothic style of northern Europe, Perth's Catholic cathedral stands imposingly in the centre of Victoria Square. The foundation stone for the current cathedral was laid in 1863 by Bishop Serra. The funds needed for construction were donated not only by local Catholics but from King Francis II of Naples, and marble was donated by the Benedictine Monastery of St Paul’s. Benedictine monks, many from Spain, were employed as the stone masons to create the cathedral. However, the number working on the structure was severely reduced when the monastery at New Norcia opened. Brother Joseph Ascione led the work on the cathedral, for which the roof and interior were finally completed in 1865.