San Francisco - Grace Cathedral

 
On the west side of Huntington Park stands Grace Cathedral. This Neo-Gothic church, clearly influenced in its architecture by Notre Dame in Paris, was dedicated in 1964, having taken 36 years to build. It replaced an earlier church which stood lower down Nob Hill that was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. Grace Cathedral is the seat of the Episcopalian Bishop of California.

Must-see attractions nearby:
Although overall the church is modeled on Notre Dame, Florentine art inspired the main portals. These take the form of casts from Lorenzo Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise" adorning the Baptistery in Florence.

While the exterior is impressive the interior is where you will find the cathedrals true treasures. Among the highlights are a 13th Century crucifix, a 15th Century Flemish altarpiece, old tapestries, and the outstanding stained glass windows. Also of particular note are two labyrinths, (patterns in the ground / floor) one of which is outside and another inside the cathedral.

If you are spending some time in the city and have an interest, you may want to find out if there is a concert or performance of some kind taking place in the Grace Cathedral. A variety of concerts are held here throughout the year.
Things to See

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Address: Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108-2206, United States
Phone: 1 (415) 749-6300, Fax: 1 (415) 749-6301
Hours:
7am-6pm; Sun: 8am-7pm; Sat: 8am-6pm
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides: Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities: Gift shop
Transit: Bus: 1; Cable car: California Street.

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Entrance to the gothic Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.Entrance to the gothic Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
Park and Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.Park and Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
Courtyard of Grace Cathedral Church, San Francisco.Courtyard of Grace Cathedral Church, San Francisco.
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