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 Hand-constructed five-story temple |
720 Washington Street San Francisco, CA 94108 United States +1 415 982 6116 / +1 415 982 6117 / +1 415 982 6118 http://www.bucsf.org/ |
Colorful murals and tile mosaics cover this five-story building. It was constructed by hand as an act of faith in 1961. This beautiful temple is a center of worship for San Francisco's Buddhist population. Its roof garden affords a panoramic view of The City while the interior is serenely lovely, decorated with traditional Buddhist motifs. The temple is open, free of charge, to visitors on the second and fourth Sundays of the month excepting the months of February and March. Admission is free; donations are accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Glen Bolosan |
 Photo: Todd Webber  |
 Photo: Chris Tennyson |
 Breathtaking modern architecture |
1111 Gough Street San Francisco, CA 94109-6686 United States +1 415 567 2020 x201 http://www.stmarycathedralsf.org/ |
The design of this ultra-modern Catholic church has been compared to the agitating element in a washing machine. And once thought of that way, it is hard to see it as anything else. Go inside the dazzling white structure, though, and such frivolous comparisons go by the wayside. The interior is sleek, spare and remarkably intimate considering that it seats 2,400 people in a semi-circle around the altar. The central dome soars 15 stories into the air and is supported by buttresses that have been incorporated into each of the four corners of the building's interior. The corner walls beyond them are floor-to-ceiling plate glass. The effect gives the building the feeling of somehow being lighter than air for all its mass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Masck |
 Photo: Daniel Rodríguez Troitiño |
 Photo: library_dragon |
 Photo: alberto vajrabukka |
 Photo: toto hartono |
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Neo-Gothic Landmark |
1100 California Street San Francisco, CA 94108 United States +1 415 749 6300 http://www.gracecathedral.org |
This impressive neo-Gothic structure crowning Nob Hill was built on the site of the Crocker Mansion after the 1906 earthquake and fire. The interior features stained glass windows in celestial blues and vibrant reds and yellows. There are also frescoes depicting the history of San Francisco and scenes from the life of San Francisco's patron saint, St. Francis of Asissi. The gilded bas-reliefs that adorn the doors of the main entrance are cast from Ghiberti's original molds for the Gates of Paradise that adorn the Baptistry in Florence. This facility also boasts an indoor and an outdoor labyrinth. Admission free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Evelyn L. Brumleve |
 Photo: Chris Mears |
 Photo: Kate Kehoe |
 Photo: Thomas Andersen |
 Photo: Guy A. Burns |
 Photo: Sahar Damghani |
 Photo: John Roads |
 Photo: Ian Fish : fishyflix |
 Photo: Jacqui Maher |
 Photo: kjetil_r |
 Photo: Zach Chastaine |
 Photo: Bryan Tighe |
 Photo: corneliusrags |
 Photo: Amanda Tan |
 Photo: Karim Mansouri |
 Photo: Dawn Griffith |
 Photo: Chris Coughtrey |
 Photo: Mark Peplow |
 Photo: Arthur Yeh |
 Photo: Andrew McNess |
 Photo: Chris & Gen |
 Photo: Bill Hart |
 Photo: Aaron Williamson |
 Photo: Scott Ziolko |
 Photo: Sledgeweb |
 Photo: Victoria Roberts |
 Photo: tambra champagne |
 Photo: Mike Kinman |
 Photo: Kass Kozloski |
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A Relaxing Retreat |
1601 Shoreline Highway San Francisco, CA 94965 United States +1 415 383 3134 http://www.sfzc.org/ggf/defaul... |
The Green Gulch Zen Center is one of three San Francisco Zen Center locations, and is situated on a beautiful piece of land in Muir Beach - just fifteen miles outside of the city. They offer an overwhelming number of classes, retreats, and lectures, from religious talks to workshops on native plants, and tea gatherings. Accommodations are available for guests to stay one night or even a week. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gold-domed Russian Orthodox church |
6210 Geary Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94121 United States +1 415 221 3255 http://www.russianorthodoxchur... |
This imposing Byzantine-style structure is crowned with five onion domes, each covered in 24-karat gold leaf. On a bright day, the sunlight hitting it is dazzling. Inside, is a glimpse back in time. The interior, consecrated in 1977, could just as easily date from 1577. Through the incense gleams the gold of more mosaics, these depicting various saints, and the precious metals of the icons that are everywhere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eugene Zelenko |
 Photo: Matthew E. Cohen |
 Photo: enrguerrero |
 Photo: Steve Dallaire |
 Photo: Karissa Sellman |
 Photo: Phil |
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Historic Chinese temple |
855 Stockton Street (at the corner of Clay Street) San Francisco, CA 94108 United States +1 415 788 1339 |
This old temple (founded 1857) housed in a new building (built in 1977) that also houses the Chinatown Post Office is located on the fourth floor. It is a large light-filled room with stark white walls and a pyramid-shaped ceiling with a skylight at its apex. The elaborate altar displays the deity Kuan Ti with attendant deities. The altar and other carved panels were moved from the original temple nearby and are beautifully gilded and carved in amazing detail. The view from the balcony, one of the nicest in Chinatown, includes the Transamerica Pyramid. A temple story has it that Harry Truman visited the temples old location just before the 1948 election and made an offering for good luck. It may have done the trick. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Trevor Attridge |
 Photo: Trevor Attridge |
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Serene Japanese temple |
1909 Bush Street (at the corner of Laguna Street) San Francisco, CA 94115 United States +1 415 931 0453 |
This A-frame temple dating from the 1960s is the North American outpost of the Konko religion. The congregation moved from Japan to the United States over seventy years ago. The temple itself is a masterpiece of simplicity. The north and south walls are glass made to resemble rice paper. The lines of the pale wood sanctuary are clean and elegantly proportioned, making it a lovely place for quiet meditation. Over the altar is the Japanese character for gold, a metaphor for the golden light that emanates from a spiritual heart. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Share the vision |
49, Knox Drive San Francisco, CA 94549 United States +1 925 283 8722 http://www.lopc.org/ |
At Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church people come together to seek God and to help others. It is a priority with them to merge faith and everyday living. This church is a part of San Francisco Presbytery. Adults, children, families, singles and groups all find a place and opportunity to offer their services, participate in programs and take care of others. Everyone is encouraged to ask questions and face challenges in order to know God better. There are many way to get to know others in the community—retreats, events, wine festivals, games, meetings, and parades. The mission is to make a difference in the lives of the people. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mission District's Namesake |
332 16th Street (at Dolores Street) San Francisco, CA 94114 United States +1 415 621 8203 http://www.missiondolores.org/ |
The northernmost of the California missions founded by Father Junipero Serra, this mission is the oldest structure in San Francisco, dating from 1788. Walk inside and it is like Spanish Colonial San Francisco beneath roof beams held together with rawhide strips. The graveyard includes the remains of both noble colonial families and the Native Americans who were conscripted to build and then serve the Mission. The museum houses artifacts and manuscripts. See website for complete visitor details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul M Fenton |
 Photo: juan999 |
 Photo: Sonia Sorbi |
 Photo: David Morgan-Mar |
 Photo: Anca Mosoiu |
 Photo: Ben Piven |
 Photo: Barry Campbell |
 Photo: Susie Poulelis |
 Photo: Marti Chavarria |
 Photo: Nathan Ostgard |
 Photo: Chee F Chan |
 Photo: Leah Gregg |
 Photo: Brian Belotti |
 Photo: Suman Ganguli |
 Photo: Sarah Robeson |
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Breathtakingly Beautiful |
5000, Piedmont Avenue San Francisco, CA 94611 United States +1 510 658 2588 http://www.mountainviewcemeter... |
The Mountain View Cemetery is a large cemetery in Oakland, California. It was established in 1863 by a group of East Bay Pioneers under the California Rural Cemetery Act of 1859. The association they formed still operates the cemetery today. Mountain View was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who also designed New York City's Central Park and much of Stanford University. Many of California's important historical figures, drawn by Olmsted's reputation, are buried here and there are many grandiose crypts in tribute to the wealthy who are buried there, so many that one section is known as "Millionaires' Row." Because of this, and its beautiful setting, the cemetery is a tourist draw and docents lead bi-monthly tours. Panoramic views of the entire Bay Area greet you among lush green hills spotted with Eucalyptus and Oak trees. Come here and watch the sunset (or the fog roll in) from an unparalleled vantage point, perched in the magnificent East Bay hills. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Art, Music, Dance & More |
701 Mission Street (Yerba Buena Gardens) San Francisco, CA 94103-3138 United States +1 415 978 2787 |
This one-day festival takes place outdoors and features a variety of entertainment possibilities to enjoy. It is where you can listen to the jazz melodies of A Gathering of Ancestors, watch traditional Native American dances, and gather for storytelling. It also offers art exhibits and craft workshops. The all day event is not only fun, it is an educational and cultural experience. This festival is free. Some vendors may take credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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San Franciscos oldest Buddhist temple |
109 Waverly Street (Third Floor) San Francisco, CA 94108 United States |
This serene space is the oldest Buddhist Temple in San Francisco, dating back more than 50 years. Named in honor of the Norras Buddhist Temple in Tibet, many of the symbols here derive from Tibetan Buddhism. The shrine shows a triple-display of Buddha and his acolytes in attitudes of compassion and joy. The altar is gilded wood imported from China in 1959. Note the pair of three-dimensional mandalas shaped like golden mountains, five feet high, and containing hundreds of tiny windows with even tinier Buddhas sitting inside. At the flick of a switch, they spin to the sound of Chinese music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Al Billings |
 Photo: Al Billings |
 Photo: mollypitcher |
 Photo: mollypitcher |
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Beacon of light |
4770 Lincoln Avenue San Francisco, CA 94602-2535 United States +1 510 531 3200 http://www.lds.org/temples/mai... |
People of all religious beliefs have been known to visit here because of its magnificent views and lovely architecture. It is one of the most beautiful churches in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 82,417 square-foot, 170 foot-tall temple was built in the early 1960s and can be seen from many scenic points across the Bay Area. The temple features a visitor's center that offers exhibits and interactive presentations on religious topics. It also features a family history center that offers geneology services and over 21 million microfilms available. The temple remains open to the public Tuesday through Saturday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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San Francisco landmark church |
756 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94193 United States +1 415 421 3730 http://www.stpatricksf.org/ |
This Roman Catholic church, dating from 1851, was founded to serve San Francisco's Irish community. That commitment is reflected in the church's gold, green and white decor. Note, for example, the green-tinted rose window over the choir. The columns on either side of the nave are Connemara green marble imported from Ireland itself. What makes this neo-Gothic church especially worth seeing are the Tiffany stained glass windows glowing brightly beneath the vaulted ceiling. There are also display cases with photographs of the extensive damage to St. Patrick's during the 1906 earthquake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Shelly M. Buller |
 Photo: L.G. Carvalho |
 Photo: Franck Mahon |
 Photo: marisa arrona |
 Photo: Richard Ashby |
 Photo: Andrew Bobola |
 Photo: Liat Noten |
 Photo: ellen_g_king |
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Historic Chinatown church |
660 California Street San Francisco, CA 94108 United States +1 415 288 3800 http://www.oldsaintmarys.org/ |
At one time, the spire of this cathedral was the tallest structure in San Francisco. There may be buildings taller than this cathedral these days, but none offers more San Francisco history. The church foundation is granite cut in China. The exterior is composed of red bricks made in New England and brought around Cape Horn. Inside, the white plaster sanctuary has some nice stained glass and exhibits the ribbed-vault arches typical of neo-gothic architecture. The lighting is kept low, giving the shrines along the walls, lit with indirect spots and votive candles, an ethereal glow. Display cases house a collection of drawings, photographs, and artifacts from St. Marys rich history, including dramatic photos of the devastation caused by the 1906 earthquake and fire. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kathleen Franklin |
 Photo: diaskeaus |
 Photo: Michael Gomes |
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Historic North Beach church |
666 Filbert Street (across from Washington Square) San Francisco, CA 94133-2805 United States +1 415 421 0809 http://www.stspeterpaul.san-fr... |
Despite the popular misconception, Joe DiMaggio did not marry Marilyn Monroe in this opulent church (that was at City Hall). He did, however, marry his first wife, starlet Dorothy Arnold, here and it was this church that celebrated his funeral mass. Dating only from 1922, this Roman Catholic church is awash in marble, gilding and ornately carved wood, starting with the life-size marble angel at the entrance. Inside the hushed sanctuary, redolent with the aroma of burning candles, is an elaborately carved and painted ceiling glinting with gold leaf. Pendant chandeliers in aged brass and frosted glass hang from the arches of the colonnade on either side of the nave. The altar is an explosion of marble carved with the titular saints of the church, plus cherubs, angels and all the niches and domes needed to contain them. Statues and shrines, including one to Our Lady of Lourdes that features a faux grotto, line the walls and the elaborate chapels. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mariusz Jurgielewicz |
 Photo: Martin Dragan |
 Photo: Tom |
 Photo: ERic Cheng |
 Photo: Katherine Ready |
 Photo: Rachel Jarabeck |
 Photo: Ajit Rudrangi |
 Photo: Hui Cheng |
 Photo: Anna Adam |
 Photo: Jenny Muldrew |
 Photo: Andy Campbell |
 Photo: Ian Crane |
 Photo: Heather Flyte |
 Photo: Dan Thomas |
 Photo: Patrick Gotschall |
 Photo: Nicole Giro |
 Photo: beezwax28 |
 Photo: Dylan's Pix |
 Photo: Michael Fontaine |
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Rustic tranquility & notable architecture |
2107 Lyon Street (at Washington Street) San Francisco, CA 94109 United States +1 415 346 6466 http://www.sfswedenborgian.org/ |
The small wooden church, a masterpiece of the arts-and-crafts movement when it was built in 1895, has a warm, rustic ambiance and reverence for nature that reflects both that movement and the Swedenborgian philosophy. The font, for example, is a giant clam shell, while the exposed beams in the ceiling are untrimmed logs. The murals are by noted artist Wilbur Keith. Visitors are welcome to meditate in the church or in the well-kept garden. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Architectural Gem & Music Center |
2 Lake Street (at the corner of Lake and Arguello Street) San Francisco, CA 94109 United States +1 415 751 2535 http://www.emanuelsf.org |
This Reform congregation dates back to 1850 and is the oldest in the West. Its current home, constructed in 1925 (5685 Jewish Calendar), is based on Haggia Sophia in Istanbul, a popular template for Jewish temples built at the turn of the last century. In 1927, the American Institute of Architects described it as the finest piece of architecture in Northern California. Today, with its 150-foot dome, the temple, remains an eye-catching fixture of the San Francisco skyline. The sanctuary's exquisite semi-abstract stained glass windows, one representing fire, the other water, cast wonderful, glowing shadows on the impressive ark that towers at the far end of the chamber. The temple is also home to the Music at Meyer series, which presents lectures and concerts throughout the year. Be sure to visit the website for schedules and updates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Russell Docksteader |
 Photo: David R Preston |
 Photo: Ian Carr |
 Photo: Dave Traube |