Inside didnt smell too pleasant. The Tabernacle is oddly placed to the side into a smaller area so Im guessing the main sanctuary isnt often used. Front end museum was interesting.

Old Saint Marys Cathedral is San Francisco Landmark 2 and California Historical Landmark 810.It was built in 1854 and rebuilt in 1909 after it was damaged by the 1906 Earthquake and Fire.It was the first Roman Catholic Cathedral in California. It is the second oldest church in San Francisco still in use. In 1891, a new St. Marys Church was built on Van Ness Avenue to replace Old St. Marys Church as the cathedral.The brick building is Victorian Gothic in style. The stone foundations were cut to order in China. The bricks came from New England. The original design included a two hundred foot spire which was never built.The built tower is ninety feet high. The plinth, embrasure caps, buttresses, tower door, mouldings and crockets, as well as the corbels of the windows, are of cut stone. The pinnacles and parapet of the tower are also of cut stone.

I always love visiting this beautiful historic church just on the Edge of Chinatown in San Francisco. When you are inside the church you really get a sense of the years of Prayer that have taken place there. It feels very sacred. The church survived the 1906 earthquake and fire and was once the tallest building in San Francisco. Just around the corner in the basement of the church is a giant religious supplies store where you can just about find anything you want Including beautiful gifts that arent specifically religious-themed. After my most recent visit to the church I enjoyed a stroll through Chinatown at dusk. The entire visit was enchanting.

I didnt get to go inside. However, being able to walk around the outside and see the cathedral from across the way was fantastic enough.

This charng cathedral is situated at the entrance to Chinatown on corner of Grant Avenue and California Street with the California St cable car stop. Looks more modern inside than outside. Free to visit during the day. Quiet, serene, there is no issue to walk up and on to the altar compared to North Beachs St Peter & Pauls Church where their Italian Carrera marble altar is chained, or roped off.

One of the greatest cathedral. Good tend.

This is a very beautiful and completely historical church in the heart of Chinatown in San Francisco with a very good historical survey of the earthquake and fire of 1906.

Old school San Francisco. One off the oldest building on the West Coast. Part of San Francisco’s history. Architecture is interesting. This is a religious building so expect to hear lots of honest to good stories based loosely on made up stories and fictional events.

I was surprised how much bigger this place is inside than when you look from outside! It is BIG and gorgeous. I was there as a guest on my friends wedding and I definitely recommend this place for wedding.

At the beginning of Chinatown on corner of Grant Avenue and California Street with the California St cable car stop stopping in front of it, this historic Roman Catholic Church has a uniquely looking Virgin Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus for the Chinese Catholics who worship at this church.More modern looking inside in terms what you think it would look like compared to the outside historic old red brick architecture.Free to visit during the day. Quiet, serene, there is no issue to walk up and on to the altar compared to North Beachs St Peter & Pauls Church where their Italian Carrera marble altar is chained, or roped off.

You gotta go see for yourself. Truly amazing

This is the First Catholic Cathedral in San Francisco. It faced all the challenges of the time but it still stood high and strong. Even the gates of Hell shall never prevail.

Truly a warm and welcoming community. Gorgeous church and place of worship.

Oldest Catholic cathedral in San Francisco. It has a lot of history that you can read in their showcases. They have afternoon concerts and mass. You need to check their calendars. The Fathers are welcoming. It is located on California and Grant - cable car passes by and is near the Chinatown gates.

Tranquility and serenity makes one feel that the world is away and only God matters

Part of a great time spend at China town

It is a beautiful historic church just on the Edge of Chinatown in San Francisco. Nice architecture and look around it.The place survived the 1906 earthquake and fire and was once the tallest building in San Francisco. There is a giant religious supplies store there. It is a good stop in your sightseeing around San Francisco, even if you are not a religious person.

Such a beautiful Church and a very active parish life as well. We love the architecture if the building too. Very peaceful sanctuary.

I love the noontime concert they have every tuesday.

I went to many literature community events here. spacious and quiet. it is hard to find parking in the neighborhood.

Amazing. We lit a candle for a dog that passed. ♡

I love this church. It was the first Catholic cathedral in California, with land donated by Irish man John Sullivan and consecrated in 1854. It was an Irish community initially before being inwardly destroyed by the 1906 earthquake. Since then it has a Chinese community. Many of the stained glass windows were contributed by Irish parishioners. One window is in memory of Irish born SF Fire Chief Denis Sullivan, who died as a result of the earthquake.

The shop attached to St.Marys was just BEAUTIFUL! They have a vast array of whimsical angels and elaborate crosses and other religious items that were just GORGEOUS!And the staff was very friendly and helpful!

This is a great church. Terrific bunch of folks. Went to Mass here many years ago. Really nice.

Ive been a parishioner here for over 20 yrs. If youre lapsed Catholic and thinking of coming back, we welcome you with open arms a d hearts. Weekend Mass: Saturday 5pm. Sunday 9am, 10:15am (Cantonese), and 11:30 am . Daily mass at 7:30 am and 12 noon. Hope to see you.

I enjoyed this great church for decades. You always feel welcomed and leave feeling better.

I was extremely disturbed by the strong odor of urine and human fesses inside Gods house! I had to leave and was unable to enjoy my visit to this church! How can the parishioners of this church let this happen? This is unbelievable!

Great friends meeting.so quiet very helpful of needs

Lots of history as well as being a religious place. There are photographs of what parts of the building survived the 1906 earthquake and fire...and surprisingly several walls still stood when many other buildings around were completely flattened. It was the fire that did the greatest damage to this building. It was great they were able to rebuild (1909). Hard to believe that when it was first opened, in 1854, it was the tallest building in San Francisco and all of California.Being in Chinatown they minister to the Chinese community. A church store next door in the basement is worth checking out for Christian gifts.

Friendly priests and congregation with contemporary singing. And a class book store below!

Small community that is very friendly to tourists and visitors. You truly meet people from around the world during the mass services.

Masses: Weekdays:7:30 AM & 12:05 PMSaturday Vigil: 5 PMSunday Masses:9:00 AM, Contemporary Music10:15 AM, Cantonese Mass11:30 AM, Choir MassHoly Days: 7:30 AM; 12:05 PMConfession: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday:after 12:05 PM Mass; Saturday: 4:00-4:30 PMOr by appointment anytime.

Beautiful church. Gorgeous stained glass windows. An excellent place to get away from the city and pray.

Always attend weekend Mass at the cathedral. The building inside needs some tender loving care

Awesome History behind it all. The oldest bldng standing in SF as well as the oldest church! Builded in 1854 and survive the 1906 Earthquake!

Beautiful old fashioned church still standing at the corner of Chinatown I loved it

My place of worship whenever am in downtown San Francisco. They always have a mass at 12NN.

Amaizing structue. So beautiful indeed.

Beautiful old church. Weekday morning Mass in the side chapel.

Love the place..very peaceful

Beautiful but no heat, no bathrooms

First time visiting and loved the church and atmosphere. Priest was relatable, friendly, and a joy to listen to. Church needs some TLC as there is some damage to the upper levels that is a shame for the oldest church in San Francisco

The Queen of Heaven lives here.

Old, by US standards! Still, a very nice church. Worth a visit.

I visited from Corpus Christi Texas. What a beautiful, diverse parish. My heart was enlightened by the message given, Let go and LET GOD. How appropriate.The beautiful lady on the piano was remarkable, not to mention the choir!Being g a devout Catholic I was able to follow along without any hesitation. Fellow parishioners were warm and welcoming. Thank you for welcoming me. God continued blessings

Californias first building built expressly to be a cathedral in 1854. It was gutted by 2 major fires, one being the 1906 earthquake.Look at the clock tower on top of the church.

Love the sound of the bell on the hour.

Very nice and historic church that was built during the barbary coast years old san Francisco primarily for the Chinese people.

Very astonished how long the church have been around and to have survived the earthquake and fire. Beautiful and lovely architecture.

Good place for Mass - very welcoming

Beautiful, old church. It is worth a stop in while you are in Chinatown.

A beautiful Historical scene. Admire the wonderfully architectural designs that has withstood time and weather.

Nice historical bulding

Beautiful and peaceful place to stop and pray.

Beautiful SF landmark.

Beautiful church! One of the best in the bay! The Sunday mass was low-key, but filled with energy!

Another gorgeous church, old and rustic.

This beautiful Catholic Cathedral right in the heart of Chinatown Was San Franciscos very first Catholic Cathedral.

Very serene. A place with deep personal meaning for me.

Nice old church in the Chinatown

The building is old and very pretty

Very beautiful and historic.

This is a beautiful church and staff and people friendly.

In the middle of Chinatown. Not open for visits during the day

Really interesting place,lots history and well preserve, unique architecture

Fun church, great athmosphere.

This church is very welcoming for visitors and residents

Beautiful church

Beauty, serenity and spirituality in the city.

I attended Old Saint Marys for the many years I lived in the city. It is indeed an old and beautiful church, very popular for weddings. More importantly, it has wonderful priests, good sermons, and a vibrant community. Even though my family now lives in Silicon Valley, we still attend mass from time to time, and my children have all been baptized there.

So peaceful and deep touching!

Great church and friendly parishioners

Nice shop with my different crosses for your preference.The gift shop saved my bladder (for free) so many times over the years, I couldnt thank them enough.Dunno if its still true,but I hope it is.Theres a reason I always tell people when you have to go to the bathroom, Jesus saves in Chinatown.(please some make that a title of a movie)Beautiful church,family loved to attend when they were in town.I recommend it.

Great place get a snack or bite.

I used to come here with my grandmother when wed visit her apartment at the golden gateway. She was a regular parishiner with a solid group of old lady friends who would meet for coffee and doughnuts after the mass. Rita Wara was her name and she always took great reverence in communion offered at this cathedral. 5 stars much respect remember Rita Wara!

Come for lunch time today for free music concert. Very nice.

Peaceful sprit inside

Nice church with free concerts at noon

Historical place, very beautiful

Amazing historic find in Chinatown

I found God here! Now i am a nun!

Breathtakingly beautiful and serene.

When I worked in the City I tried to go here once a week for daily Mass. Some my not like the tourists coming in and out of this place but it doesnt phase me. It is an awesome church and I appreciate that people appreciate it. I do believe that its the oldest Cathedral in California. Dont forget to go to their gift shop. Its one of the better ones that Ive been to.

The stain glass windows are magnificent.

Fantastic cathedral you can pray without disturbance i hope we can come again here with my whole family

Beautiful old church

Nice Cathedral and full of peace inside .

I have recently started attending the weekly 7:30 am mass as I am now commuting M-F to SF from Texas. It has been a blessing as it is a fulfilling and inviting environment to worship. I encourage everyone to attend these morning services as a way to begin your day with Christ at your side.

Needs some renovation. Ceeling is not looking good

We went to the church to attend a free concert

Theres way better in town.

Lovely building in the middle of Chinatown! I was amazed with its architecture as I was with its history. Its so interesting how buildings can also be witness of what a city has been through.It used to be the tallest building in the city and survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, only to be gutted a day later by the fires started by the earthquake. The fires were so hot that they melted the church bells and marble altar! It served as a shelter during the WWII, so its really amazing what these walls could say if they were able to speak!

Nice campus

Dont miss it! Its right at the entrance of Chinatown

I LOVE THE OLD ST. MARYS CATHEDRAL. IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL. THE NIGHT WHEN IT WAS ON FIREI CRIED MYSELF TO SLEEP. IT WILLLIVE ON IN MY HEART FOREVER. ️️️️️

My husband and I were in San Francisco for the weekend. We were walking to China Town and came across St Marys. What a lovely church! Reminds me of my childhood. We were lucky enough that there was a 12:05pm mass and we stuck around for that. Loved the priest (I didnt get his name) and we happily contributed to the reinforcement fund. I pray their goal is reached.And...just as when I was a little girl, I lit a candle in front of the statue of St. Therese, my namesake. :) I felt so good after that. Just the little things can do that to a person.

Always beautiful!

Beautiful Church, with a great shop!

We love Old St Marys every time we visit SFO. The pastor always delivers an inspirational sermon which leaves us with food for thought. And the choir sings beautifully.

Beautiful from the exterior. I didnt have the chance to go inside and look around.