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:

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Saint Ignatius:
650 Parker Ave. (Across the street from Christo Rey.)

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Carmel of Christo Rey:
721 Parker Ave. (Across the street from Saint Ignatius.)

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Notre Dame des Victoires:
566 Bush St. (Downtown)

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Legion of Honor Art Museum:
100 34th St. (Lincoln Park)

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Mission Dolores:
3321 16th St. (Mission District)

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Shrine of Saint Francis and The Porziuncola:
610 Vallejo St. (North Beach)

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Chapel of The Sisters of Perpetual Adoration:
771 Ashbury St. (Haight-Ashbury District)

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Saints Peter and Paul:
666 Filbert St. (North Beach)

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Saint Dominic’ s:
2390 Bush St. (Pacific Heights)

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Saint Paul’s:
221 Valley St. (Noe Valley)