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Old Saint Mary's Cathedral 1
Walking Tour
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral 2
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral 3
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral 4
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral 5

Old Saint Mary's Cathedral

Chinatown

California's first cathedral rises above Chinatown with Gothic Revival grace and a cheeky history. Built by Chinese laborers in 1854, its fire-scarred clinker bricks still bear witness to the 1906 earthquake, while the tower clock admonishes passersby with a biblical warning that once targeted the neighborhood's bordello clientele.

California's first cathedral
Gothic Revival architecture
1906 earthquake survivor
Chinese laborer-built

Tips

"Son, observe the time and fly from evil" — check the clock tower inscription
🔥look for fire damage on the exterior clinker bricks from 1906
🌳St. Mary's Square across the street has seating and shade

Old Saint Mary's Cathedral

660 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

Upcoming at Old Saint Mary's Cathedral

Saturday, Jun 13
Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival 2026

Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival 2026

June 13 at 11am

A dancing tofu mascot leads the charge at this deliciously quirky celebration of all things soybean. Sample tofu creations, browse art vendors, and soak up live music while Japantown transforms into the West Coast's soybean capital for the day.

Tuesday, Jun 16
Noontime Concerts

Noontime Concerts

June 16 at 12:30pm

Sneak away for a free classical concert on your lunch break. This beloved 37-year tradition brings national musicians to Old St. Mary's Cathedral every Tuesday, making world-class performances accessible to everyone.