Cathedral of Saint Vibiana

The Cathedral of Saint Vibiana is a former church building in downtown Los Angeles, constructed in an Italian-inspired style with Baroque influences. The restored bell tower rises approximately 83 feet (25 meters) and is crowned by a cupola weighing more than 3,500 pounds.

The structure was completed in 1876 and served for over a century as the mother church of the Diocese of Monterey-Los Angeles. After closure and earthquake damage, it faced demolition in 1996 until preservationists blocked the destruction through a court order.

The name honors an early Christian saint from Rome, whose mortal remains rest in a gilded glass shrine within the building. Visitors can view this reliquary, which embodies the connection between the Californian city and ancient Roman tradition.

The building is located at 214 South Main Street in the city center and now operates as an event venue for weddings, corporate functions, and performances. The restored interiors offer different halls that can be rented for various gatherings.

The original facade still bears traces of an earthquake that caused severe damage to the structure in 1994. These visible signs of destruction were deliberately preserved during restoration to keep the building's story readable.

Location: Los Angeles

Inception: 1876

Architects: Ezra F. Kysor

Architectural style: Italianate architecture

GPS coordinates: 34.05050,-118.24400

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28