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San Francisco, California / Religious sites

Old Saint Mary's Cathedral

The first cathedral built in California, this Gothic Revival landmark in Chinatown is a resilient survivor of the 1906 earthquake and fire.

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Old Saint Mary's Cathedral
www.oldstmarys.org, website_hero_img_www.oldstmarys.org

What is Old Saint Mary's Cathedral known for?

Old Saint Mary's Cathedral was the first cathedral built in California and is the second oldest church in San Francisco that is still in use.

What are the visiting hours for Old Saint Mary's Cathedral?

Visitor hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to noon, with Sunday hours extending to 3:00 p.m. during the summer.

When was Old Saint Mary's Cathedral built?

The cathedral was built in 1854 in the Gothic Revival style, with construction beginning when the cornerstone was laid in July 1853.

Are there tours available at Old Saint Mary's Cathedral?

Yes, visitors can pick up a self-guided tour pamphlet at the church.

What happened to the cathedral during the 1906 earthquake?

The church survived the 1906 earthquake without damage, but it was burned out in the subsequent fire and was rebuilt and reopened in 1909.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Old Saint Mary's Cathedral is located at California Street and Grant Avenue in San Francisco's Chinatown neighborhood. Built in 1854 in the Gothic Revival style, it holds the distinction of being the first Roman Catholic cathedral built in California. The structure is the second oldest church in San Francisco that remains in active use today, serving the Chinatown and Nob Hill communities. Construction began with the cornerstone laid in July 1853, just three years after California became a state. The cathedral's resilience is legendary; it survived the devastating 1906 earthquake but was subsequently burned out in the ensuing fire. Following this catastrophe, the church was rebuilt and reopened in 1909, maintaining its historic character. Since 1901, the Paulist Fathers have served the parish, managing the mission's spiritual needs. The site was officially designated as a San Francisco Landmark on April 11, 1968, recognizing its architectural and historical significance to the city's early religious landscape. Visitors can explore the interior of this active parish. The church provides a self-guided tour pamphlet to help guests navigate the history and features of the cathedral, allowing for a quiet reflection on the city's early Catholic history.

Visitor tips

  • Pick up a self-guided tour pamphlet at the church to learn more about the interior.
  • Avoid visiting on Mondays as the church is closed to visitors.
  • If visiting during the summer, Sunday hours are extended until 3:00 p.m.
  • Be mindful of the 12:05 p.m. weekday Mass schedule when exploring the interior.

Nearby context

The cathedral is situated in the heart of Chinatown, near the Sun Yat-sen statue at St. Mary's Square and the Moongate Lounge.

Sources

Evidence and links