Grace Cathedral Religious Sights
Neo-Gothic LandmarkSan Francisco,
CA, 94108
United States
+1 415 749 6300
+1 415 749 6301
http://www.gracecathedral.org
Info@gracecathedral.org
Transport Options:
Train Available: MUNI BUS: 1; California Street Cable Car
Overview
This impressive neo-Gothic structure crowning Nob Hill was built on the site of the Crocker Mansion after the 1906 earthquake and fire. The interior features stained glass windows in celestial blues and vibrant reds and yellows. There are also frescoes depicting the history of San Francisco and scenes from the life of San Francisco's patron saint, St. Francis of Asissi. The gilded bas-reliefs that adorn the doors of the main entrance are cast from Ghiberti's original molds for the Gates of Paradise that adorn the Baptistry in Florence. This facility also boasts an indoor and an outdoor labyrinth.It has the outdoor labyrinyth made up of Tezzaro stone and the indoor one made up of limestone.I liked Grace Cathedral because of its architecture but also because of the interfaith chapel for Aids victims. There is a per se entrance fee but it is suggested to give a donation. Take a walk around and admire the stained glass windows BUT it is a must that you walk around the labyrinth on the inside and the other on the outside.
The stained glass windows tower over a spacious entry way drawing one into the space. The wood work is nicely carved and warms up the colder feel of the stone work. The acoustics in here are great and it is a wonderful place to be for a music concert. For me, the main drawback is the many steps to access the entry way.
I loved Grace Cathedral. I only had a short time to spend in the cathedral, and I spent it meditating in the labyrinth and gazing into the eyes of the sculpture of St. Francis. The experience was one I will tuck in my heart and carry with me always.
We actually sneaked into this during a wedding that was happening which made it even more beautiful! If you're into architecture and ornate materials, this is a must see!
acoustics bad for sunday church but the building is lovely and the labyrinth is magic -- also, despite the acoustics, the boy choir is lovely and this church epitomises the Episcopal Church love of all people regardless of ... whatever
The Cathedral is a grand neo-gothic building, well-proportioned, with superb stained glass. The music programs and the preaching are stellar. At any service or function, the congregation/audience will be delightfully diverse. Despite the central city location, there is always a tranquil feeling about Grace Cathedral.
here is San Francisco's great Gothic space and the two best visual items in the building are the ever-fascinating windows of Charles Connick, who designed the earliest windows, circa (1930-1960) Also stunning visually and aurally is the famous Aeolian-Skinner organ, heard in Sunday services and in the organ recital series.
From the steps of Grace Cathedral you can begin a complete tour of the City. The PU Club is in front of you. The Fairmont is a block away. Walk through the lobby of the Fairmont, and see if you can find a hidden bathroom that has its own secret view. Masonic Hall is on the right of the Cathedral. The California bus to the left, can take you from the Legion of Honor, the western end of the city, to the Embarcadero, the eastern end of the city, through Chinatown, past the Pyramid, within blocks of North Beach, and to the Ferry building. Get a transfer to go to Fishermans Warf, or the other way is Union Square, a european piatza, the Metreone, Yurba Buania, and MOMA. Go to church at noon Sunday. The organ, choir, and sermon are unforgetable. If you are lucky to be there on a Holiday, they add brass and pagentry. So far you have only spent $1.25 plus whatever you contributed to the church. Eat at a great little cafe near the cornor of Clay and Taylor. Or get off the bus at Stockton and Sacramento, don't forget your transfer, and walk a few doors down Sacramento, and on the left is an alley. One of the cities oldest chinese tea rooms is there. Very clean, good, and cheap.
NO there is also National Cathedral in Washington DC. It is as much like a European cathedral as the ones in NYC and San Francisco. classic.
The Cathedral is a great space with wonderous windows and art , 5 different worship spaces in the main sanctuary. Be it a walking mediation inside or out , an inclusive sermon or just some wonderous music. And if you want just relax at the park on the other side of the street at the top of Nob Hill. Highlight serviecs at Great are around Easter, Palm , The Great Vigil and Easter Dance at worship with the Omega Dancers is wonderful



