Church & Religious Site

Old Cathedral of St. Mary

📍 660 California St & Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108

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4.3/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Introduction

A Gothic Revival church at California Street and Grant Avenue in San Francisco's Chinatown, designed by William Craine and Thomas England after a Gothic church in Vic, Catalonia, with its cornerstone laid in 1853 and opened at the 1854 Christmas Midnight Mass as the first cathedral in California. Its bricks were shipped around Cape Horn from New England and its granite cut in Guangdong. The clock tower faces Chinatown, and it remains an active parish and a Chinatown landmark.

✨ Highlights

California's first cathedral, completed 1854

At Old Cathedral of St. Mary, California's first cathedral, completed 1854 is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

Modeled on a Gothic church in Vic, Spain (Catalonia)

At Old Cathedral of St. Mary, Modeled on a Gothic church in Vic, Spain (Catalonia) is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

Bricks shipped around Cape Horn; granite cut in Guangdong

At Old Cathedral of St. Mary, Bricks shipped around Cape Horn; granite cut in Guangdong is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

Clock tower framing the Chinatown streetscape

At Old Cathedral of St. Mary, Clock tower framing the Chinatown streetscape is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Avoid the midday heat; mornings or late afternoons are more comfortable and better for photos.

→Transport：Arrange via local public transport, driving or a chartered transfer; check latest local transport info.

→Climate & clothing：Prepare for the local climate with sun protection, water and suitable footwear; some outdoor spots can be sunny.

→On-site notes：Follow on-site signs and rules, protect the heritage/environment, and do not climb or touch exhibits.

→Accessibility：Some areas have natural or uneven ground and may be physically demanding.

💡 Tips

• Ticket prices, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Usually open to visitors by day and around Mass; subject to the parish; admission: Free to visit (Mass open to the public).

• Prepare for the local climate (sun, hydration) and pace your visit accordingly.

• Respect local culture, customs and any religious norms; dress and behave accordingly.

• Combine with nearby sights and plan around local transport and accommodation.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Old Cathedral of St. Mary?

Ticket prices, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Usually open to visitors by day and around Mass; subject to the parish; admission: Free to visit (Mass open to the public). Prepare for the local climate (sun, hydration) and pace your visit accordingly.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.