St. Patrick’s Church is one of SOMAs best free sightseeing opportunities. A Roman Catholic church founded in 1851, it is located at 756 Mission Street, between 3rd and 4th streets, across the street from Yerba Buena Gardens in the heart of the South of Market district.
The church features Gothic Revival architecture, with ribbed vaults, pointed arches, a central nave and two side aisles of lower height. The nave follows the basic Gothic pattern with a triforium and clerestory-like top tier.
The church is said to be the “most Irish church in the United States”. Accented by the Irish national colors with green, white and gold marble. Each of the patron saints of the thirty-two counties of Ireland is proudly showcased on the Tiffany-style stained-glass windows, which also depict the rich heritage and traditions of the Irish.
The church has served many and survived much during its over 150-year history. It served the miners on their way to Gold country, the Irish when they immigrated to San Francisco, it withstood the earthquake of 1906 and the subsequent fires, it has served the Spanish-speaking and now serves the Filipino community and tourists. The church is unchanged amidst an ever-changing landscape. St. Patrick’s Church is not to be missed as one of the best free sightseeing opportunities in SOMA.
St. Patrick’s Church is opened until 6:15 pm on weekdays and 6:45 pm on weekends. Step inside and enjoy this beautiful and peaceful respite in the heart of San Francisco. To see more free sightseeing in San Francisco, visit the Free By District area of this website.
