Beautiful and pretty decent price to view everything inside. I heard there's a lot of events that go on at the Cathedral that a lot of people like. read more

It's Good Friday and I had to go to confession or God would strike me down. I look-ed up and saw that confession was at 1pm here. Midway through my walk uphill from the financial district I recalled that this church isn't Catholic. When I saw the priest I asked him if it mattered and he said, I don't think God cares. I had confession with him and I really appreciated that he took the time to counsel me. It was not a revolving door confession. I really appreciated that and felt renewed and refreshed. No matter what denomination you are or what religion you practice, we are all looking for the same thing. Forgiveness, affirmation, and a tasty sandwich. Anyone who is so kind enough to listen to how much I like banging one out is awesome in my book. read more

The most beautiful cathedral I've ever been to. It felt like a sanctuary. I enjoyed how quiet it was on the inside even if it's right in the middle of the loud, fast-paced San Francisco. When my boyfriend and I stopped by here, we felt really peaceful. On the inside, there were some historical things to read and view which felt like a museum and cathedral in one. There were windows all around the building with beautiful color stained glass and art work. Being that I am not familiar with he Catholic/Christian religion, I didn't understand what each alter was for but aside from the main big one, there are all these beautiful little alters where you can burn candles, and little wooden sticks for. There's a huge labyrinth in front of the cathedral and on the inside as well. If you have some time on your hands and would like to try something calming and interesting, I'd say go for it! This cathedral is overall beautifully breathtaking and a great historical place in San Francisco to visit. read more

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This place is amazing. Come here. You will be happy you did so. It is very calm and peaceful. And no, it is not really that heavy on religion or anything like that either. It is just a calm and peaceful building. Excellent for picture taking. read more

Lapsed Catholics should never review Cathedrals. First and foremost, it makes you remember that the stained glass on those windows although donated could feed hundreds of poor people. But for those who would like to visit, here are some lowdown. Donations voluntarily suggested $10 (if they say 2 or 5, they might get more, unfortunately, my coin purse with 50 cents was not avail). Shop and Restrooms below the Cathedral. Hard to photograph inside without using high tech and flash equipment read more

What a nice cathedral. I happened by while hiking the hills of San Francisco. I'd driven by in the past; since I was hiking I stopped in. While the church is nice, it doesn't compare to cathedrals in Europe - contrary to what some reviewers have stated. I missed the inside "labyrinth" but did see the outdoor one. Really? If you want to call a 20' x 20' round thing with lines a labyrinth, so be it. But I digress. The interior of the church is very nice. I especially liked the murals on the walls - like the 1906 earthquake painting. Pretty cool. Also the string art from the ceiling was really nice. I'm glad I stopped in for a look see. I was dismayed that the church recommened $10 donations for visiting. Umm, no thanks. read more

This place is amazing. I am thinking I need to go online to leave a $10 donation because I used the space for my work out session. stair climbing, burpees, and tai chi Would love to come back and sit in on a mass or two. read more

I answer to a higher power...well, sort of. I started taking longer walks in recent weeks and I wanted someplace that offered solitude and maybe a little enlightenment, some soul but nothing denominational. Visiting on a Sunday afternoon was lovely. When you step inside, everything slows down, your pace, your thinking, your breathing, your worries. The cool quiet air from the thick stone walls and tall ceilings are a welcoming respite from the sounds of the city. The various stained window glass scenes are lovely and colorful throughout the church. There was a small service in one of their smaller chapels, so the whole building radiated in very ethereal choral music and well, it soothed my soul a little and I left with...hope. read more

Grace Cathedral - Churches Near Me - San Francisco, California

If you enjoy art and are looking for a fun and relaxing exhibit, I highly recommend the "Graced with Light" ribbon project that is at Grace Cathedral until the end of February 2014. Over 20 miles of vibrantly colored ribbons are extended from the high ceilings of the church. In contrast with the stained glass windows, the ribbons make for an engaging visual experience and stunning photos. I don't know if this is true, but another visitor mentioned that a hope or prayer is supposedly written at the top of each ribbon. If you walk around the church, there are various tapestries, murals, and wooden carving pieces to enjoy. The exterior architecture of the church is also gorgeous, especially the gold "Ghirbeti" doors that are a replica of the Florence Baptistry. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person but it is not mandatory. You can donate upon entering or leaving the building. This should be suitable for all ages but children might only be enthralled by the display for a couple of minutes. I observed some kids (and adults too) entertaining themselves by walking around the labyrinth maze while their parents admired the art. I've been here once many years ago for an Al Stewart concert and I vividly remember the fun I had running around the labyrinth maze as a child. read more

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I am Catholic by birth and Agnostic by choice. I believe in Jesus and I believe in a Higher Being but I prefer to stay away from religion as they are all man-made and corrupt to some extent. The last time I went to mass was when my grandma was in town 6 months ago. Over the weekend, I decided to attend mass at the Grace Cathedral and I am glad I did. The last time I was here was nearly 10 years ago when my gf got married in this church. It's still as beautiful as ever, with the exceptional addition of the Invisible Man exhibit. I urge you all to visit this church and see this exhibit before it is shipped to Vienna as it is a powerful piece of artwork that illustrates the fight against HIV/AIDS. The service was different than what I am usually accustomed to. There was a lot of singing, which I enjoyed. There was also a lot of exercising (i.e. standing, then sitting, then standing, then kneeling). There was even a female priest, which was a pleasant surprise to see. The priest who delivered the sermon had a good sense of humor. All in all, I would come back for mass again here when I am in the area. It really did comfort my soul. Check out my blog on religion: http://www.angryasianlady.com/archives/75/your-god-is-not-better-than-my-god/ read more

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Beautiful. Peaceful. Welcoming. Accepting. Everything that it should be. Not to be missed for any visit to San Francisco. read more

What a beautiful, amazing cathedral!!! It's hard to believe there is something like this inside the heart of the city! It was Saturday when we went. And it was busy!!! Not with tourists, but with weddings. There was one wedding going on inside and 2 other wedding parties gathering outside. Grace Cathedral is definitely a rotating door for weddings on a Saturday. So just be warned, if you go there on a Saturday, you just might see a wedding, or two or three! Hahaha read more

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This review is for the inside labyrinth. My sister, visiting from Ireland, took me here (I'm the local, but I'd never walked the labyrinth!). It really is special, if you let yourself take the time to experience it slowly and thoughtfully. The cool air inside the cathedral, and the soft lighting, make you feel like you're in the middle ages. While walking with my gaze downward, following the path, I found myself trusting God and trusting the path more and more with each step. It was a serene and lovely experience and I can't wait to do it again. read more

Soooo beautiful!!!! I have seen Grace from a distance but never got a chance to go inside. There are a lot of tourist who come in and roam the cathedral. Love the architecture and art along the walls. What I notice was that the cathedral didn't have pews rather soft individual kneeling blocks. Hmmm interesting! Restrooms, Peet's coffee and a store are located downstairs. Note: It's a $10 suggested donation. read more

Nice architecture cathedral. This specific cathedral is so beautiful inside and outside. I got many good things from this cathedral. Thank God for making me find this cathedral. read more

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I'm sooo not religious, but there's something about a church that soothes me. After breakfast nearby, my husband and I found ourselves wandering through the park across the street and then climbing the steps to Grace. I never felt unwelcome as I wandered the church and took copious photos. It's gorgeous! We walked the labyrinth outside, then headed indoors. The ribbons displayed inside were stunning. Whether you're religious, agnostic or even atheist, this is certainly worth the visit. read more

Grace Cathedral - Ribbons displayed inside Grace Cathedral - Churches Near Me - San Francisco, California

Not that it's easy to miss, but I sort of chanced upon this place on a trip to San Francisco. It wasn't on my radar or list of things to go visit, but it did pique my interest and I had to check it out. Stained glass, massive building, gorgeous interior. Yelp, this is a cathedral. I remember being struck my the time and effort it must have taken to build. By the care the laborers must have taken along the way. By the maintenance that must need to happen just to keep it clean and in good repair. It's both of those things--clean and in good repair. Very happy memories of my trip to San Francisco made better by happening upon Grace Cathedral. read more

Nice architecture and a cool looking cathedral. This place is lit. But it's haunted just look at it. read more

Very beautiful church from both outside and inside. Quiet and peaceful, not a lot people if you visit early in the morning. read more

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Thought was going into a Roman Catholic Church but got into service n found out it definite was not! Walk out n walk down hill to St Mary! Very happy with St Mary! read more

I could come here all the time. If you love art history, this place is kind of a hidden gem in the city. This is the largest gothic cathedral in the west, and it boasts the famous Ghiberti gold doors from Florence. And the rose windows and stained glass...beautiful! My girls love to see the artwork, walk the labyrinth, and then walk across the street (east) to the playground. read more

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Grace Cathedral is perhaps a perfect example of why so many people refer to SF as a "european city." The simple gothic design which appears so often in France sits right here, near a bunch of other great places to see in Nob Hill. Go inside and wander. Whether you are a believer or not, this building should do what all great architecture is supposed to do to you: uplift and inspire. read more

I am a fan of architecture. I've seen a lot of religious works/homages in my life and I would say that Grace is definitely very cool from the outside. Now it pales in comparison to say Sagrada Familia, Notre Dame and some world famous sights but for SF, I think this is def one of the tops in the City read more

Seems like a great place. I walked up here during my lunch break to see what it was about. I didn't have the suggested $5 donation to visitors, but the attendant was totally fine with that and said I could get change at the bookstore downstairs. I am no longer religious, so for me the experience focused on 1) being in a place of great architecture, 2) being in a place others hold so sacred. I am hoping to go to one of the many choral performances that are put on here (often for free!). And I was bummed that I missed Jane Goodall when she came to speak here. read more

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What a beautiful place! We came here to check out the architecture and were surprised to find many tourists inside in the middle of the day, during the week. It's an absolutely beautiful church and I love that they have both an indoor and outdoor labyrinth. read more

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This is an awesome place to pray. I like walking the labyrinth, particularly the outdoor one. On certain friday eves, they have organized services on the indoor labyrinth. Downstairs there is an honest-to-goodness Peet's Coffee with dining tables, and next to that is the Cathedral Gift Shop where you can purchase lots of memorabilia, CDs, religious articles, hymnals, and prayer books. Very nice organ concerts at 4pm, usually first sunday of the month. Check the Cathedral's website for actual dates because sometimes it changes. I wish the colored spaghetti hanging from the ceiling would be removed, I know, it seems everyone likes it but me, but it just seems to detract from the natural beauty of the windows. 5 stars really, but minus one star because it saddens me that Rite I has taken a backseat, even at the Cathedral. I've seen many changes since the 70s, but personally I like the 1928 Prayer Book better which has been pretty much preserved in Rite I. But relegating it to the earliest morning Mass (and without music), is not doing it any favors. read more

Wow! This church is SUPER opened to visitors!!! They even have a self-guided tour map for you to explore and don't care how many photos you take. They don't kick you out either when they have service. I am so impressed with this place. I find churches absolutely beautiful but always feel scared and awkward to visit. This was not the experience here at all. i need to come back to do their tower tours!!! read more

What a wonderful architectural site to see. I did not go in the church but I was amazed by how beautiful the building was. It was my first time seeing Grace Cathedral and I cannot wait to come back and walk through the church. read more

Grace Cathedral - Churches Near Me - San Francisco, California

In an American "West Coast" metropolitan city like San Francisco, you rarely expect to find a European inspired cathedral but the moment I walked into Grace Cathedral, my mind went straight to my travels in Europe. It felt like an escape from all that was left outside the doors. A place of awe and restraint, respect and wonder. If you're visiting the city and have seen all the tourist attractions with the hope of finding a special nugget, check out Grace Cathedral and be inspired. Every so often, I love to take a personal retreat to get away from all of life's worries and responsibilities. One of my favorite things to do is take the California line cable car up to Nob HIll (maybe throw in a trip to the day spa) and spend a couple hours here. Usually I'll walk the carpeted labyrinth (an experience in itself. Google "labyrinth in Christian churches" for more info on its symbolism and purpose), journal, and pray for a bit. And if it's a beautiful warm day, you can walk the labyrinth outside. It's always a lovely time for me, myself, and I (and more importantly time with God). read more

I stopped off here while doing the Tales of the City walking tour. I've gotta say, I'm surprised by how much fun I had here. They were really friendly to visitors and there was plenty to see to inside. The stained glass windows were jaw droppingly gorgeous and there was a rose motif throughout (just checkout the beautiful rose window above the entrance). The gift shop was pretty big, decently priced for a tourist area, and the cashier actually sang a hymn while she cashed me out lol They didn't charge an entrance fee, but they did ask for donations, which you put in a drop-off box. Whether you're another Tales of the City fan, or just a tourist looking to catch some local sights, I highly recommend Grace Cathedral. read more

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Gorgeous and grand, you don't have to be religious to appreciate the architecture at this SF institution. I like the fact that there's an AIDS chapel dedicated to the city. If you go downstairs you can also see a history of the church in the glass cases. I came here for the christmas concert with the boys/men's choir and I must say that the acoustics were not that great as I could barely hear the singer. read more

Absolutely a very beautiful cathedral. Grace Cathedral has very awe-inspiring stain glass windows and eye-popping murals depicting San Francisco's early years. I visited the Cathedral when there was no service going on but there were a handful of people seeking solitude and some personal quiet time. The architecture of the cathedral tailored itself after the European churches. It's a great place to collect your spiritual thoughts. Apparently God likes strong coffee...there's a Peet's Coffee next to the gift shop! read more

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Grace Cathedral. Worth the climb. It's Episcopal, so it's not as "gilded" as the Catholic cathedrals. If you are expecting tons of gold, statues, tapestries and giant pipe organs you'll have to hit the Catholic Cathedral. That being said though, Grace is majestic and worth the visit. read more

I love coming to this church for Christmas Eve service. It's open to all and it's nice to be together in a beautifully decorated neo Gothic church that has been a staple in San Francisco for a long time. There's a sense of peace and boundary-less atmosphere where the person next to you is a neighbor more than a stranger. I am not highly religious but there is something about this church that brings such comfort. During the day when light streams through the stain glass windows, it's a beautiful sight to see along with the labyrinth and tapestries telling the history of the church. read more

Grace Cathedral is one of my favorite places in San Francisco. It is peaceful and there is a great deal of history you can learn there, too. The architecture is breathtaking. If you are there around Christmas, try to check out one of the concerts and services they put on. The church is always very welcoming. You can also walk across the street and visit the Fairmont for dinner or drinks afterward, so convenient. It is located in a serene and very well-kept area of the city. Inside, you will find incredible and beautiful stained glass windows, and an atmosphere that is palpably serene. read more

On a quest to find a church that accepts all I decided to check out Grace cathedral. I have not been to a service here so I cannot rate that. However, I went to Grace cathedral on a Tuesday for a very interesting experience. On Tuesdays at 6:15-7:30 they offer a yoga class. I practice yoga and I think it is wonderful for a multitude of things. I just had never heard of yoga in a cathedral before but came with an open mind. When walking inside Grace I was pretty amazed by the architecture which was beautiful in a gothic type of way. I was even more amazed by the hundreds of people on yoga mats on the inside labyrinth and that filled the whole entire main part of the cathedral. There was live music an enchanting type of meditation music with some vocals. I did the yoga class and did feel the level of relaxation inside of a massive cathedral was on a whole higher level. They also have candlelit meditation walks on their labyrinth. I wanted to check out their service but I did not care for how I was welcomed or shall I say not welcomed in to this church. When arriving there was hundreds of people inside and I did not know where to go. A woman working there instructed me to go to the back and pointed to the side. Based on her instruction me and two other people went to the same spot to set up our yoga mats. Several minutes later she came and spoke to me very disrespectfully. I get that her point was that we were all in the wrong spot but I thought she could have addressed that without a nasty tone. After the service I confronted her about how I understand if we were in the wrong area to ask us to politely to move and show us where but instead I felt she shamed us. When I told her this she was defensive and still took the same tone. Eventually she apologized but it just didn't feel like the type of welcoming that you would expect in a yoga class, a place of worship and on our first visit. After doing the yoga inside of the main part of the cathedral with people spread in the pews I found myself questioning if it is honoring God to be doing yoga inside the main place which is meant for worship. For me it felt like a distraction from God and even though it was a very beautiful, unique experience I think I will be keeping my yoga to a yoga studio. read more

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I'll never understand the unquestioning conviction people hold about something as vast as God. It's not that I don't believe in God, rather I don't presume an understanding of its thoughts and intentions. If an entity could craft something as elaborate and detailed as existence - from the grandest supernova to the awesomeness that is Harry Potter - how can one comprehend it any more than an ant comprehends a computer? Is it faith or delusion? Are they devoted or just self-righteous? Similarly, life offers so many possibilities that limiting your ideal to a preexisting image would be a shame... that your dream job or true love might not turn out exactly how you envision, but even better - something new and unfathomable by the imaginative limits of your creativity... High hopes and no expectations. Wouldn't you rather just not know? read more

Favorite church and most beautiful cathedral in the Bay Area. Very welcoming congregation. Amazing music. Inspirational speakers. The most colorful fashion at Easter. Joyful Christmas. Diversity up the wazoo. Open hearts all around. Lots of artistic people. Welcoming to all faiths and queer spectrum of every color. Weekly labyrinth yoga and more modern services. I 100% feel at home here. #Blessed read more

A while ago I took a much needed break from studies and went to work full-time instead. Fast forward to the present, and I am now in the middle of applying as a transfer student to several universities. The whole process of waiting is nerve wracking and stressful. I mean what if they don't accept me, then what? I know these fears are unfounded but I'm obviously in need of some kind of reassurance. And here is where Grace Cathedral comes in, this cathedral is for lack of better words-stunning in it's beauty. As I walk up California St., it's presence is imposing; like a stone masonry fortress that anchors the top of the hill. Solid, impenetrable. I can't help but be moved by it. When I was told of the labyrinths, it sparked my imagination. I was picturing labyrinths a la Kubrick in The Shining, or even one with a menacing Minotaur, which I would have to outrun in order to avoid being eaten alive. Thankfully my imagination is a lot crazier than reality because I'm not much of a runner anyway and I would be devoured alive. Joking aside- the labyrinths are worth doing at least once. But approach them with an open mind and heart and you might reach that aha! moment. The labyrinths (indoor and outdoor) are meditative, they are meant to quiet your thoughts and get you to a place of inner peace and empowerment, which is just what I need right now. read more

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was 'thank you,' that would suffice." -- Johannes Eckhart For review 400, I'll try to actually do something useful for a change. For those who think I've done this before, all I can say is, prove it. It is a rare occasion that finds me going to church. It's a bit like coffee: since I don't partake regularly, a little goes a long way. If there was some way for me to just slip in, take communion, and leave, that would be just about perfect. But I think they frown on that. And so, on occasion, I go to Grace and get the full run-down, and that lasts me for several months. BUT, in the best tradition of Eckhart, and in the hopes that he is right, herewith, an extremely brief list of things I'm thankful for: -I'm thankful that I was born in a First World country. I recognize that all the little (and not so little) stuff I take absolutely for granted, like 24-hour electricity, and indoor plumbing, and supermarkets, and relative safety from crime, and relatively honest government, and a thousand other things, are actually quite rare when the Earth's population as a whole is considered. The odds of any given baby actually being born in a First World country are fairly long, so I recognize that I pretty much hit the lottery right at birth. -Speaking of which, I'm thankful that my parents were decent people, and great parents, and did everything they could for me. This is also not so common. My mom stayed home and raised me, and my dad's work allowed him to be home at a decent hour most nights, and be around the house most weekends. This is also not so common. And they weren't drug addicts, or alcoholics, or crazy, or apathetic about my life. They cared enough to actually BE parents, rather than trying to be my best friends, which every now and then meant doling out meaningful punishment so that I would learn how to behave in civilized society. -I'm thankful that I have a brother whom I got to share most of my childhood with, and who was virtually always a really great guy, and who (whether he would admit it or not) would have done anything to help me at any time. We didn't always get along, in the best tradition of brothers, but I always knew I could count on him, and the few times I had to count on him, he always came through. Plus, he turned into a great guy, which makes me proud, even though I didn't really have anything to do with it. -I'm thankful that I'm virtually totally healthy. In retrospect, I've put my body through an absolutely amazing amount of damage, and it's survived almost entirely intact (minus some teeth and a fully-functioning right shoulder). Plus, despite my rather lackadaisical attitude towards regular exercise, I'm still in surprisingly good shape. Doubt me? I'll take all comers at my favorite exercise: the one-block race, done carrying 100 pounds. Loser buys me more Scotch. -And, of course, I'm thankful that I somehow managed to con an otherwise extremely intelligent, beautiful woman into marrying me. While it is beyond doubt that I don't deserve her, she's put up with me for all these years, and I'll continue to count myself lucky right up to the day when she comes to her senses and kicks me out. I could go on (and on and on, as anyone who has ever read my reviews knows), but I think you get the point. And so, with my review #400 as my (rather pathetic) bully pulpit, let me encourage you to take a moment today, and try to fully grasp just how amazingly lucky, and fortunate, you actually are. We live in a beautiful city, absolutely awash in wealth, luxury, splendor and comfort all but unknown in the entirety of human existence to date, and indeed to the vast majority of humans living right at this very moment. It seems like the least we can do to take a moment, try to grasp the amazing blessings that make up our everyday life, follow Eckhart's advice, and say a quick thank-you. read more