Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption (San Francisco)
Church Modern Roman Catholic cathedral in San Francisco, circular design
San Francisco’s Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption features a modern circular plan and geometric stained glass; visitors come for architecture, choral services and proximity to Civic Center museums.
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco. The present modernist cathedral building opened in 1971.
Its interior and roof geometry are the cathedral’s main visual highlights and attract visitors interested in modern ecclesiastical architecture. The cathedral functions both as a liturgical center and as a civic landmark for major archdiocesan events.
The current building was erected to replace an earlier downtown cathedral and has served as the archdiocesan seat since its opening in 1971. It has been used continuously for diocesan liturgies and public ceremonies.
The cathedral is located on Cathedral Hill near Van Ness Avenue in central San Francisco, within the Cathedral Hill neighborhood.
- Modern building: The current cathedral building opened in 1971 and replaced an earlier downtown cathedral as the seat of the archdiocese.
- Architectural note: Architectural interest centers on its distinctive modern roof form and large interior volumes, visible from surrounding neighborhoods.
How to Get to Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption (San Francisco) #
The cathedral sits at 1111 Gough St in the Civic Center. From Powell Street BART or Market Street, it’s a 15-20 minute walk (1.3 km) north or a short MUNI ride: catch any northbound 5R, 21, or 38 bus that stops near Van Ness Avenue, then walk a block.
Tips for Visiting Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption (San Francisco) #
- Enter via the main plaza off Geary Street to see the sweeping plazas and the cathedral's four enormous bronze doors.
- Attend a lunchtime organ recital (check schedule) - the acoustics are unusually resonant.
- The cathedral's interior gets best light mid-morning; avoid Saturday mornings when weddings make photography difficult.
Best Time to Visit Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption (San Francisco) #
San Francisco's cathedral is urban and often visited alongside nearby Civic Center sites; shoulder seasons give better light and fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption (San Francisco) #
Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption (San Francisco)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in September) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (820 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (170 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm).
.JPG?width=600)
.JPG?width=600)
.JPG?width=600)