National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi, San Francisco

The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi in San Francisco began life amid the California Gold Rush. Back then, with barely 500 residents, mostly dust, dreams, and a few gold pans clinking in the distance, the area was far from any importance or popularity until 1849. That year saw the beginning of the Gold Rush, and suddenly this quiet corner of the West exploded into chaos and ambition. Amid the frenzy spreading like wildfire (drawing people from far and away), the humble parish of Saint Francis of Assisi was founded in June 1849 to tend to the city’s rapidly growing Catholic immigrants.

Initially housed in a simple wooden shanty built by U.S. Army personnel, it was soon replaced by an adobe church, consecrated in 1851 by Bishop Joseph Alemany. The following year, California witnessed its very first priestly ordination right here.

By the late 1850s, the congregation had outgrown the building. A new Norman-Gothic church with twin towers was built over the original in 1859, opening proudly on March 17, 1860. But in 1906, disaster struck—the infamous earthquake and fires gutted the interior, though the exterior walls and towers stood firm. Between 1906 and 1919, the church rose again within its original shell, fortified with steel and resilience, and was re-dedicated with the same steadfast spirit on March 2, 1919.

Throughout the 20th century, it remained a prominent urban parish. Officially recognized as a San Francisco Landmark in 1968 and then a California Historical Landmark in 1972, it reached new heights in 1999 when elevated to a National Shrine.

Today, no longer a parish church, the Shrine is a living echo of faith and art entrusted to the care of the Capuchin Franciscan friars. It welcomes pilgrims, offering quiet sanctuary and liturgical services. Visitors will find relics of Franciscan saints (such as Francis himself, as well as Clare and Anthony), plus stained glass and murals depicting the life of St. Francis, and even a replica of the Porziuncola chapel, inviting all who enter to slow down, reflect, and maybe—just maybe—breathe in a little holiness amid the city’s clamor...