Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption is a modern house of worship on Cathedral Hill, distinguished by its white concrete structure with eight segments meeting at a central point. The building accommodates approximately 2,400 worshippers and features a golden cross at its apex.

The present structure was built to replace two earlier churches on the site, with construction beginning in 1967 and finishing in 1971. Its architecture reflects guidelines from Vatican II, which encouraged modern designs for Catholic worship spaces.

The cathedral functions as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco, drawing worshippers for regular services and religious celebrations. It serves as a spiritual center where the local Catholic community gathers throughout the year.

The building is located on Gough Street in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood and is accessible by public transit. Daily services are held, and live streaming options allow participation from home.

The building employs a hyperbolic paraboloid shape supported by four corner pylons that resist extreme pressures. This geometric system gives the cathedral both structural stability and a distinctive skyline presence.

Location: San Francisco

Inception: 1971

Architects: Pier Luigi Nervi, Pietro Belluschi

Architectural style: modern architecture

Website: http://stmarycathedralsf.org

GPS coordinates: 37.78420,-122.42530

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01