St. Mary's Cathedral

St. Mary's Cathedral or Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption is part of the Roman Catholic Church. It is under the leadership of the Archbishop of San Francisco. The cathedral was completed in 1971 with architects Pier Luigi Nervi, Pietro Belluschi, Angus McSweeney, Paul Ryan, and John Lee on the team. The style is considered structural expressionist modern.

St. Mary's Cathedral of 1971 is the third church to be built with the same name in San Francisco, California. The first church was built in 1854 and is still standing. It is known as Old Saint Mary's Church. In 1891 a second cathedral was built. However, this one did not survive due to arson in 1962. Due to the destruction of the second church it was decided a third would be built and so construction began in 1967. Until 1987 the all female Cathedral High School adjoined the cathedral, but it merged with the all male private Sacred Heart High School. The school still has a close relationship with St. Mary's Cathedral. Guests can tour the cathedral, attend services, or even enroll their children in the preparatory. Special events, masses, and more can be held at the church.