Historic Chinatown Church
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Nearest Train: MUNI BUS: 1; California Street Cable Car
Phone: +1 415 288 3800
Fax: +1 415 288 3838
Email | Website | Map | add to Travel Bag (NEW)
Audio Guides 1 ,2
Video Guides 1 ,2 ,3 ,4 ,5 ,6 ,7 ,8
At one time, the spire of this cathedral was the tallest structure in San Francisco. There may be buildings taller than this cathedral these days, but none offers more San Francisco history. The church foundation is granite cut in China. The exterior is composed of red bricks made in New England and brought around Cape Horn. Inside, the white plaster sanctuary has some nice stained glass and exhibits the ribbed-vault arches typical of neo-gothic architecture. The lighting is kept low, giving the shrines along the walls, lit with indirect spots and votive candles, an ethereal glow. Display cases house a collection of drawings, photographs, and artifacts from St. Marys rich history, including dramatic photos of the devastation caused by the 1906 earthquake and fire.
Reviews
Welcoming
Old St. Mary's pastor and ushers were very welcoming to me. I'm from Middletown, N.Y. I ask...
Reviewed by:A Yahoo! Contributor from Middletown, N.Y. on Jul 31 2007
Modern Cathedral majesty!
Although locals have dubbed it St. Mary Maytag because of its outer resemblance to a washing machine...
Reviewed by:pattrman from San Francisco on Jan 08 2006
St. Mary Cathedral
Absolutely beautiful. Everyone in town should come visit this gorgeous church. It is Californi'a...
Reviewed by:A Yahoo! Traveler from San Francisco, CA on Oct 03 2004
