Some may be surprised to learn that San Francisco, which is often more remembered for it’s liberal present and bohemian past, has a rich Catholic tradition. Although, Los Angeles is now the largest city in the State, when LA was still a backwater, San Francisco was regarded as the Paris of the West. For this reason there are relatively few impressive Catholic structures in LA and a number of historic churches, shrines and chapels in San Francisco. Here are some of my favorites:
Saint Ignatius:
650 Parker Ave. (Across the street from Christo Rey.)
Carmel of Christo Rey:
721 Parker Ave. (Across the street from Saint Ignatius.)
Notre Dame des Victoires:
566 Bush St. (Downtown)
Legion of Honor Art Museum:
100 34th St. (Lincoln Park)
Mission Dolores:
3321 16th St. (Mission District)
Shrine of Saint Francis and The Porziuncola:
610 Vallejo St. (North Beach)
Chapel of The Sisters of Perpetual Adoration:
771 Ashbury St. (Haight-Ashbury District)
Saints Peter and Paul:
666 Filbert St. (North Beach)
Saint Dominic’ s:
2390 Bush St. (Pacific Heights)
Saint Paul’s:
221 Valley St. (Noe Valley)