Grace Cathedral

Overview

Grace Cathedral is a stunning neo-Gothic Episcopal cathedral perched atop Nob Hill, featuring magnificent stained glass, two labyrinths, and bronze doors cast from Lorenzo Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise originals in Florence.

Highlights

• Ghiberti Doors: The gilded bronze entrance doors are exact replicas of the famed 15th-century Gates of Paradise from the Florence Baptistery.
• Labyrinths: Two labyrinths — one outdoor terrazzo and one indoor tapestry — modeled on the medieval labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral, used for walking meditation.
• Keith Haring Altarpiece: A bronze and white-gold triptych by Keith Haring, one of the artist's final works before his death in 1990.

History

Built on the site of the Crocker mansion destroyed in the 1906 earthquake fire. Construction of the current reinforced-concrete Gothic structure began in 1928 and was completed in 1964. The cathedral has been a center for progressive social justice activism.

Visitor Tips

• Free Entry: The cathedral is free to enter, though donations are welcomed.
• Yoga: The cathedral hosts popular yoga sessions on the labyrinth.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.