Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption image

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption

Tourist attraction Conference center Catholic church Church Catholic cathedral

Striking cathedral known for a huge chandelier & stained glass forming a cross in its domed roof. People often mention cathedral, modern, Francisco,


Address

1111 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Website

smcsf.org

Contact

(415) 567-2020

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cathedral (12) modern (6) Francisco (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Michael T. 2 years ago on Google
    I'm a huge fan of traditional churches, especially Gothic, and this one is certainly a very long way from traditional. That said, it is a wonderful worship space, and a benefit of its design is that the furthest pew is actually fairly close, indeed, to the altar. The stained glass windows are modern, yet they still impart a sacred feel to the interior space. The large statues near each of the four corners are inspiring. If you've an open mind, you will like like this cathedral, even if you're a traditionalist.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jesús P. 2 years ago on Google
    It is a good place for prayer, I like the area off to the lefthand side where the Tabernacle is located. It's almost like an Adoration chapel. Then on the righthand side is a beautiful shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Confessions available during the week before the 12:10pm Mass which is very good. It is very spacious inside and out. During the day between Masses, it's very quiet and excellent for prayer. The views from the windows overlooking the city are also impressive, as you walk around or praying the Stations of the Cross. Given that, despite all the pros of our Archdiocese's Mother Church that I mentioned above, the modern layout and architecture does not evoke a sense of sacred space on a purely aesthetic level. Obviously it is indeed a sacred place, but I certainly am not much of a fan of modern design for an edifice that should help transcend our minds and souls toward the Eternal. Despite all that, it is our Archdiocese's Mother church and See, so I never hesitate to stop in to pray when I'm in the area.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 christopher p. 2 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful Cathedral but quite modern for my liking. Currently they have the Sistine Chapel replica and highly recommend especially if you can go to Rome to see it, if you are in the city it's a must. Attended the Sunday liturgy and the choir and preaching where really good. The choir being in 3 parts of the Cathedral seemed like you were immersed in surround sound and where being levitated to the mystery unfolding before us. I share with you the last message of the homily and that is if God ask you want do you want, do you know what to answer Him.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Debbie C. 2 years ago on Google
    What a place of magnificent contemplation. The interior stained glass installation is stunning. The pipe organ in those acoustics would be amazing. So much symbolism to be inspired and awakened by.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aita C. 2 years ago on Google
    This is where the Michael Angelo Exhibit was. It brought the fresco's of the Sistine Chapel from 60ft down to about 12 feet. The central reproductions are laid out by panel in order above your head. The side panels are on the walls. It's moving and wonderful. Such magnificent paintings; a glorious undertaking. I renter the player and was delighted to have it access my hearing aids so I could get a full historical background and description of what I was looking at. So glad to have seen it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sally T. 1 year ago on Google
    This building is a Roman Catholic Church and it is an incredible church, in San Francisco. I think probably built in the 1960s, with stunning stained glass. Organ sounded powerful when I heared a brief cord or twoĺ. I thought it reminded me of both Coventry and the funnel in Liverpool.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 BluLuke 6 months ago on Google
    The most beautiful church in San Francisco I‘ve seen! Unbelievable modern, but with an old touch. The combination of the different styles as well with the astonishing architecture is breathtaking! Highly recommend to visit it and maybe spend two dollars or so for a incense stick 🥰
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim P. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful cathedral. Saw the Sistene Chapel exhibit downstairs which was also very good. Then, went up in the Cathedral and saw the amazing pipe organ. Actually got to hear a little as we were coming up the stairs, amazing sound.

  • 5/5 Millicent M. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited the Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Exhibit recently and it was both exhilarating and beautiful!! Enjoyed the day spent there and would recommend it to anyone who loves real artistic talent!!! Recommend the audio extras to enhance the visit! Now, just looking forward to a chance to visit the "actual" Sistine Chapel in Rome!!

  • 5/5 John Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Very special place in San Francisco. It is worth every second of your time when you are there. Open to public without charges. During pandemic time, you need to wear mask to get in. From inside, you get very good view of surroundings. It is definitely different from these churches you have already seen.

  • 5/5 Yusi 1 year ago on Google
    Simply amazing place to visit and hang out. Was passing by and happened to be able to listen to organ rehearsal. Such wonderful experience!

  • 4/5 Nicholson S. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful cathedral ceiling. Just needs a little bit more lighting. Great design in the architecture of building.

  • 5/5 Grease Monkey T. 11 months ago on Google
    Majestic and iconic and one of the most famous landmarks of San Francisco, the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption sits on the edge of a steep hill. The horizon behind the cathedral is therefore not cluttered by other buildings but instead shows only the open sky. Especially on evenings, or when the fog drifts in from the west, the cathedral seems to float between earth and sky — an appropriate image for Our Lady rising upwards, assumed from Earth into Heaven. Since the open air parking lot that brackets the cathedral is sunk below ground level, as one approaches the cathedral from the street, or having walked up the wide stairs from the parking to the street level, one finds oneself on a broad plaza that functions as a wide bridge leading to the cathedral. The sunken parking lot functions almost like a moat and gives the cathedral the appearance of an island. This physical separation from its surroundings, plus the brilliant white marble exterior and the soaring, unusually sinuous roof, crowned by a 55 foot cross, clearly indicate that one is approaching a holy place. Traditionally, cathedrals have often been described as a “Gateway to Heaven” or as a “Bridge to Heaven” — but very few cathedrals have incorporated this image to such a visual degree as St. Mary’s Cathedral. St. Mary’s is the third cathedral built in San Francisco. The first cathedral was commissioned by the first Archbishop of San Francisco, Joseph Alemany.

  • 5/5 Jean-Pierre GANDAF W. 6 months ago on Google
    Awesome and modern Catholic Church opened to all sincere believers.

  • 5/5 bifocals4my 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful cathedral! Amazing chandelier above the altar. Arrived just in time to attend mid-day mass. Then took pics afterwards. A must see if visiting SF!

  • 5/5 Dhananjay J. 10 months ago on Google
    Very beautiful place, must visit, organ there is one of the finest in the world, very unique design and lovely.


Call (415) 567-2020 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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