Saints Peter and Paul Church, San Francisco, Catholic church in North Beach, San Francisco, United States.
Saints Peter and Paul Church is a Catholic house of worship in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco dating from the early 1920s. Two slender bell towers flank the main facade and each carries a cross at the top, while the entrance area consists of three large arches with carefully carved stone ornaments.
After the 1906 earthquake severely damaged the first church building from 1884, reconstruction did not begin until 1922. The new structure with its style reminiscent of Romanesque cathedrals was dedicated two years later and has since stood at the heart of the Italian neighborhood.
The Italian community still celebrates major feasts here, including the Feast of Saint Francis of Paola with traditional processions through the streets. The building was named after the patron saints of fishermen, reflecting the maritime history of the neighborhood.
Washington Square sits directly in front of the entrance and offers a quiet spot to view the facade before or after a visit. Masses are held on multiple weekdays, with Sundays being especially well attended.
The Latin inscription above the main entrance comes from Dante Alighieri's Paradiso and recalls the literary tradition of Italy. Although the building appears in many wedding photographs, most ceremonies actually take place elsewhere and only the photos are taken here.
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