For a meditative morning in San Francisco, visit Grace Cathedral in Nob Hill. From its Gates of Paradise to its two labyrinths to its South Tower with remarkable city views, the cathedral is a breathtaking sightseeing highlight.
Sign up for the Grand Tour to see areas not often viewed by visitors, including the inside of the Chapel of Grace, the Vestry, the top of the South Tower and the Gallery, with views of the nave. Download the GraceGuide app to take a self-guided tour by smartphone.
Enter through the bronze and gold Ghiberti Doors (Gates of Paradise), a replica of those designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti for the Florence Baptistry. Important biblical moments are depicted on the doors. For the best photos, try to visit in the early morning.
The cathedral is known for its French Gothic architecture and massive stained-glass windows. Check out the murals lining the south wall, representing historic San Francisco events, from the earthquake of 1906 to the drafting of the UN charter in 1945.
View Grace Cathedral at dusk to see the famous rose window lit up. The window, formally named Canticle of the Sun, is 25 feet (7.6 meters) wide and made up of 3,800 pieces of cut glass that, when lit from behind, shine in shades of blue, red, orange, yellow, white and amber.
Calm your spirits during a walking meditation of the cathedral’s two labyrinths, outdoor and indoor. The outdoor one is open at all times. The indoor labyrinth is a replica of the 1220 labyrinth at France’s Chartres Cathedral.
Visit the AIDS Interfaith Memorial Chapel, one of just a few chapels dedicated to those impacted by the disease. The chapel was restored and rededicated on World Aids Day, December 1, 2017. One of the highlights of the chapel is the Keith Haring altar, The Life of Christ, completed before his death from AIDS.
Grace Cathedral is located on Nob Hill at the corner of California and Taylor streets. Visit during most hours of the day on weekdays and weekends.
