My friend and I were in awe of both the outside and inside labryrinths. The stunning Italian doors are a must see as well as the many altars and stained glass windows.
Hot day, long hilly walk and then the lovely place of calm. Quite delightful - also the 'restroom' were clean and there's a nice cafe down stairs.
Gothic inspired cathedral built this century. Beautiful murals show history of California, San Francisco and the church. Stain glass windows have religious themes of course but if you look to the top ones they are inspired by man's achievements such as John Glenn in his spacesuit and einsteins e=mc2. There is a copy of Ghiberti's bronze doors from Florence, a.chapel in memorium to AIDS victims, a UN sculpture and a labyrinth. Take a tour after service on Sunday morning or read the brochure in the back. The volunteers were pleased to share their beautiful church.
This cathedral, filled with stained glass, paintings, sculptures (both new and old), and floor mosaics is breathtaking and shouldn't be missed. During my visit, there was a photo exhibit of everyday people who were facing the end of their lives. The photographer invited each of his subjects to write a brief letter/essay sharing their final thoughts as they faced the certainty of death. Each portrait, both sad and beautiful, was riveting. On the occasion of my second visit, I was not able to enter the sanctuary because the SF Opera was hosting a concert.
The Cathedral has a wonderful gift shop on the lower level, along with historic photographs of the church's history.
We spent an hour here but easily could have spent more time. This is a magnificent cathedral in the European Gothic tradition. I get the impression that the architects may have originally planned to paint the interior, especially the columns. The interior today is a bit stark but this contributes to the contemplative feel of the great space. Started in 1927, it wasn't completed until 1964. Open to the public as an interdenominational house of prayer, it is the home church to the San Francisco Episcopalian community. The original cathedral, on another location, was destroyed by fire in the 1906 earthquake. The cathedral has magnificent stained glass windows and great art work celebrating its history, as well as a meditative labyrinth.
