Grace Cathedral Episcopal Church

Welcome to the crest of San Francisco's historic Nob Hill, where the majestic silhouette of Grace Cathedral commands the skyline. I invite you to pause in the plaza before we enter, allowing your eyes to travel upward along the…

Before crossing the threshold into the interior, stand directly before the massive main entrance doors. These magnificent, gleaming bronze portals are rightfully known as the Gates of Paradise, and they represent one of the most…

As you turn your gaze slightly away from the main entrance, look upward toward the striking, distinct structure known as the Singing Tower. This towering appendage houses the cathedral bells that chime the passing hours, their…

Now, step through the grand entrance and enter the vestibule space, known in architectural and liturgical terms as the Narthex. As the heavy doors close behind you, notice the immediate, dramatic shift in the sensory environment. …

Step forward out of the Narthex and allow the sheer, breathtaking scale of the Grand Nave to wash over you. This is the main body of the cathedral, and its dimensions are nothing short of staggering. …

As you continue your journey through the nave, lower your gaze to the floor beneath your feet to discover one of Grace Cathedral's most intriguing and beloved features, the indoor labyrinth. Set meticulously into the paving…

Direct your attention outward to the massive walls of the cathedral, which are pierced by an astonishing seven thousand two hundred and ninety square feet of vibrant stained glass. These windows are not merely decorative elements…

As you approach the front of the nave, near where the crossing meets the choir, your eyes will be drawn to a magnificent, highly elevated stone structure. This is the great pulpit, the designated seat for the preaching of the…

Stepping away from the overwhelming vastness of the main nave, make your way into the more intimate, enclosed sanctuary known as the Chapel of Grace. This exquisite side chapel offers a noticeable shift in atmosphere, providing a…

Continue your walk to perhaps the most emotionally resonant and modern space within the building, the AIDS Interfaith Memorial Chapel. To truly understand the gravity of this small chapel, one must understand the devastating…

For our final interior stop, look high above the choir and around the upper reaches of the sanctuary to appreciate the monumental scale of Grace Cathedral's musical heart, the grand pipe organ. This is an instrument of truly…

As we conclude our journey through the awe inspiring expanse of Grace Cathedral, let us make our way back toward the majestic Gates of Paradise. Before you step out into the crisp San Francisco air, take one final, sweeping look…