San Franciscos Most Beautiful Cathedrals And...

San Francisco’s cathedrals and churches are as awe-inspiring as the city which they call home. From regal Gothic Revival stone temples to soaring golden onion domes, San Francisco’s cathedrals and churches draw from old world architectural traditions to convey unique San Franciscan sensibilities. Often hidden in residential neighborhoods, the following buildings offer visitors a rich understanding of the many cultures that make up this diverse west coast city.

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Grace Cathedral

Cathedral, Church

City view beautiful serene sunset in iconic city of San Francisco United States California, classical architecture and modern buildings city park view

Located in San Francisco’s elegant Nob Hill, Grace Cathedral is California’s Episcopal cathedral. Although completed in 1964, its Gothic Revival style lends it an old-world aura. In addition to its two labyrinths and mosaic murals depicting San Francisco history, Grace Cathedral often houses art installations. Guided tours of the cathedral and its history are offered regularly. You can also enjoy the soaring beauty of this cathedral’s Gothic architecture by participating in Yoga on the Labyrinth or taking in one of the concerts held within.

Holy Virgin Cathedral

Building, Cathedral

Holy Virgin Cathedral‘s golden onion domes rise above the pastel houses of San Francisco’s Richmond neighborhood. The cathedral is the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral outside of Russia. The building was designed by Oleg N. Ivanitsky. Inspired by traditional Russian architectural styles, the cathedral’s distinct onion domes are covered in gold leaf. Likewise, its interior sparkles with rich mosaics and gilt paintings of idols and religious scenes.

St. Patrick Church

Building, Church

St. Patricks Catholic Church, San Francisco

St. Patrick Church is a time capsule nestled in the sleek new SoMa neighborhood. Founded in 1851, this Roman Catholic church’s cornerstones were imported from Ireland. The church’s Irish roots are also evident in the building’s stained glass. St. Patrick Church has undergone extensive renovations; it was renovated after the 1906 earthquake and more recently during the Yerba Buena district renovation. Its humble brick façade houses a dramatic, Gothic-Revival interior that creates a tranquil refuge in the heart of the city.

Saints Peter and Paul Church

Cathedral, Church

Saints Peter and Paul Church, often called the ‘Italian Cathedral of the West,’ is located in North Beach’s Washington Square. With its intricately decorated twin spires, Saints Peter and Paul Church has appeared in several movies, including Dirty Harry, Deadpool, and Sister Act 2. The church’s bright interior takes inspiration from Italian Gothic styles and features exquisite ecclesiastical artworks.

Saint Ignatius Church

Church, University

The present Saint Ignatius Church, part of the University of San Francisco, was built in 1914. It is the fifth iteration of the church in San Francisco and one of the city’s largest churches. Saint Ignatius mixes Italian and Spanish Baroque elements to produce one of San Francisco’s most beautiful churches. Inside Saint Ignatius Church, the floor plan is based on the ancient Roman Basilica, and many of its decorative motifs feature ancient allegories. In addition, within the church you can find the Manresa Gallery, a fine arts gallery which features Bay Area artists.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.