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Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption: A Modern Icon

Experience San Francisco's iconic Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption: a modern architectural marvel and spiritual sanctuary in the heart of the city.

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The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco is a striking example of modern architecture, replacing two previous cathedrals. Completed in 1971, its hyperbolic paraboloid design and soaring interior create a unique spiritual space in the heart of the city.

A brief summary to Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during Mass to experience the cathedral's spiritual atmosphere and appreciate its architectural grandeur in its primary function.
  • Take a guided tour to learn about the cathedral's architecture, artwork, and history. Check the official website for tour schedules.
  • Explore the Cathedral Hill neighborhood, with nearby attractions like Japantown and City Hall.
  • Check the cathedral's website for concert schedules and special events.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Cathedral is accessible via several MUNI bus lines. The 38 Geary stops within walking distance. Westbound, the 38 Geary stops on the corner of Gough Street. Eastbound, the 38 Geary stops on Geary at Laguna. Several other bus lines, including the 49 and 31, also stop nearby. A single ride on MUNI costs $3.00 cash or $2.85 with a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass, offering unlimited rides on MUNI buses, trains, and streetcars, is available for $5.70 via the MuniMobile app.

  • Walking

    The Cathedral is located at 1111 Gough Street, at the corner of Geary Boulevard. From Japantown, it's a short walk west on Geary Boulevard. From San Francisco City Hall, walk north on Van Ness Avenue, then turn left onto Geary Boulevard. The cathedral will be on your right. Note that Cathedral Hill is a fairly steep climb from the east.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services offer a convenient way to reach the Cathedral. From Union Square, a taxi ride would cost approximately $15-$20, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft also operate in San Francisco. Taxi fares in San Francisco include a $4.15 starting fare, $0.65 for each additional 1/5th of a mile, and $0.65 for each minute of waiting time.

  • Driving

    The Cathedral is located at 1111 Gough Street. Limited free parking is available at the Gough Street entrance. Several parking garages are also located near the Cathedral. Nearby garages include the Japan Center Garage and the Performing Arts Garage. Parking rates at these garages typically range from $2 to $4 per hour. Street parking is also available, but it can be difficult to find a spot during busy times.

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Discover more about Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, located in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, is a landmark of modern architecture and a significant religious center. This is the third cathedral to bear the name, replacing the original Old Saint Mary's Church (1854) and a second cathedral destroyed by arson in 1962. Commissioned as Vatican II convened, the new cathedral embraced a bold, modern design. The cathedral's design, a collaboration between local architects and internationally renowned architects Pietro Belluschi and Pier Luigi Nervi, is based on the geometric principle of the hyperbolic paraboloid. The structure curves upward from its four corners, meeting in a cross. Measuring 255 feet square and soaring to 190 feet high, it's crowned with a 55-foot golden cross. Vast windows at each corner offer spectacular views of San Francisco. The interior is equally impressive, with a soaring dome and stained glass that cast colorful light throughout the space. The red brick floor pays homage to California's Mission heritage. The vast interior can accommodate nearly 4,000 worshippers. The absence of internal supports, aside from the four corner pylons, provides unobstructed views of the altar. Nicknamed "Our Lady of Maytag" due to its resemblance to a washing machine agitator, the cathedral has become a beloved landmark. It was selected as one of San Francisco's top 25 buildings by the American Institute of Architects and has been recognized as one of the most beautiful churches in the United States. Today, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption welcomes thousands of visitors each year, serving as a place of worship, a cultural center, and an architectural marvel.

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