Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral

Old Saint Mary's Cathedral, in San Francisco

Old Saint Mary's is the first cathedral of San Francisco, at the entrance of Chinatown. The San Francisco audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this historic brick sanctuary, a witness of the beginnings of the town.

The first cathedral of the town

Old Saint Mary's was the first cathedral of San Francisco, built in the middle of the nineteenth century, at the corner of California Street and Grant Avenue, at the gates of Chinatown. Built of brick, with a characteristic bell tower, it is among the oldest religious buildings of the town. It survived the great earthquake of 1906, although ravaged by the fire that followed, and was restored. A witness of the beginnings of San Francisco, at the time of the gold rush, this sanctuary laden with history stands in contact with the Chinese district. You discover it with respect, as a precious heritage of the past of the city.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the brick building with a characteristic bell tower, the first cathedral of San Francisco dating from the middle of the nineteenth century, which survived the 1906 earthquake, at the gates of Chinatown. Old Saint Mary's is a witness of the beginnings of the town. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

Old Saint Mary's lies at the corner of California Street and Grant Avenue, at the gates of Chinatown, in San Francisco, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary with celebrations. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is Old Saint Mary's important in San Francisco?

It is the first cathedral of the town, built in the middle of the nineteenth century at the time of the gold rush, which survived the 1906 earthquake and is among the oldest religious buildings of San Francisco.

Where is Old Saint Mary's?

At the corner of California Street and Grant Avenue, at the gates of Chinatown, in San Francisco, in the United States.