Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GRACE CATHEDRAL
The third largest Episcopal cathedral in the US stands on the site of Charles
Crocker's Nob Hill mansions, which were destroyed in the 1906 earthquake.
Work began on Grace Cathedral in 1910 but it was not finally completed un-
til 1964. It is constructed of steel and concrete, despite its Gothic look, so as
to withstand the city's seismic vagaries. The interior is replete with marble
and abundant stained glass, and other sumptuous touches both within and
without make it one of America's most interesting religious structures.
1100 California St • 415 749 6300 •
www.gracecathedral.org
• Open
7:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm Sat, 8am-7pm Sun
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1. CARILLON TOWER
The belfry contains a carillon of 44 bronze bells, cast in England in 1938. The bour-
don bell, which tolls the hour, is the largest carillon bell in the western US. Many of
the bells have evocative names, such as Loving Kindness, and Joy to the World.
2. EAST ROSE WINDOW
This 25-ft (8-m) work of faceted glass is the largest in the western US. It symbolizes
the themes of the Canticle of the Sun, a devotional poem by St. Francis of Assisi.
3. CHAPEL OF GRACE
This chapel was the first completed unit of the cathedral (1930). Its architecture,
windows, and apse mural were inspired by the royal Sainte Chapelle in Paris. Its fur-
nishings are a mix of ages and origins, including the medieval French stone altar, the
Flemish altarpiece (c.1520), the English Gothic prayer desk, and the painting of the
Madonna and Child inspired by Italian Renaissance artist Giovanni Bellini.
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