Old St. Mary's Cathedral: A San Francisco Landmark
Discover the historic Old St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco's Chinatown: a resilient landmark blending Gothic Revival architecture with a vibrant cultural legacy since 1854.
Old St. Mary's Cathedral, standing proudly at the corner of California Street and Grant Avenue in San Francisco's Chinatown, is a testament to the city's resilience and rich history. Built in 1854, it served as the first cathedral of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. This Gothic Revival masterpiece, constructed with granite from China and bricks transported around Cape Horn, remarkably survived the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire, becoming a symbol of hope amidst the ruins. Today, it continues to serve as a parish church and a vibrant center for the Chinese Catholic community, offering a glimpse into San Francisco's past and a welcoming space for all.
A brief summary to Viewpoint
- Tours depart from Old St. Mary's Cathedral at, 660 California St, San Francisco, Chinatown, California, 94108, US
Local tips
- Take a stroll through St. Mary's Square, located adjacent to the cathedral, for a peaceful respite from the bustling streets of Chinatown.
- Visit during a Sunday mass to experience the vibrant atmosphere and the church's role as a center for the Chinese Catholic community.
- Look closely at the bricks on the exterior of the church to spot 'clinker bricks,' which show evidence of the 1906 fire.
- Don't miss the inscription above the clock tower, a historical reminder of the area's past and a call to moral reflection.
- Combine your visit with a walking tour of Chinatown to fully immerse yourself in the neighborhood's rich history and culture.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Dragon Gate at Bush Street and Grant Avenue, walk north on Grant Avenue for two blocks. Turn right onto California Street. Old St. Mary's Cathedral will be on your left, at the corner of California and Grant. This is a short, level walk through the heart of Chinatown.
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Public Transport
Several MUNI bus lines serve the area around Old St. Mary's Cathedral. The 1 California, 30 Stockton, and 45 Union/Stockton all have stops within a few blocks of the cathedral. From Montgomery Street BART station, walk north on Montgomery Street to California Street, then turn left and walk two blocks to Grant Avenue. MUNI fare is typically $3 per ride.
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Cable Car
Take the California Street Cable Car line to the California and Grant stop. Old St. Mary's Cathedral is located at this intersection. A single ride on the cable car costs $8.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from anywhere in downtown San Francisco to Old St. Mary's Cathedral will typically cost between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and distance.
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Parking
Parking near Old St. Mary's Cathedral can be challenging. There is no on-site parking. Street parking is limited and metered. Several parking garages are located nearby, including the St Mary's Square Garage (433 Kearny Street) and the Portsmouth Square Garage (733 Kearny Street). Expect to pay $20-$40 for 2-3 hours of parking.
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