Saints Peter and Paul Church — Attraction in San Francisco

Saints Peter and Paul Church in North Beach, San Francisco

I have lived in North Beach, San Francisco, for almost 25 years. One of the most interesting places here is Saints Peter and Paul Church. Whenever I visit Washington Square, I enjoy taking photos of this beautiful church.

Saints Peter and Paul Church is a key part of the North Beach skyline. This Roman Catholic church has a rich history linked to the local community. The church stands on Filbert Street, next to Washington Square Park, but it didn’t always be there.

The original church was built in 1884 at the corner of Filbert Street and Grant Avenue. Sadly, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire destroyed it. However, the community wanted to rebuild. They laid the cornerstone for the new church in 1913, and by 1924, the church we see today, with its stunning twin spires, was completed.

One fascinating part of the church's history is its connection to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. Joe grew up in North Beach and was baptized here. When he married his first wife, Dorothy Arnold, in 1939, they took their wedding photos on the steps of the church. Later, when he married Marilyn Monroe in 1954, they returned to take photos as well.

The church’s architecture is beautiful. It is designed in the Italian Gothic style, featuring two tall spires. Inside, you will find stunning stained glass windows and intricate details that show great craftsmanship.

Saints Peter and Paul Church means more than just a building; it represents resilience and community. It has been a place of worship, a cultural center, and a source of hope for many generations of North Beach residents. Over the years, it has hosted many weddings, baptisms, and community events.

Visiting Washington Square and seeing Saints Peter and Paul Church is always a special experience for me. There is something timeless about this place that continues to inspire. Whether you are a local or a visitor, I highly recommend stopping by to appreciate this amazing piece of San Francisco’s history.

Next time you are in North Beach, be sure to check out Saints Peter and Paul Church. You might want to snap a few photos to...

One of San Francisco's oldest Roman Catholic Churches. In front of North Beach's Washington Square Park, the church inside is dimly lit, beautiful, serene, and majestic with a beautifully polished Italian Carrera Marble Altar. There are traditional confessionals and real candles to light for a donation of $5. Feels very Old World inside with all the dark carved wood work, benches and stained glass windows.

Has English, Chinese, Italian, and Latin Sunday Mass Services.

Love the bells going off throughout the day that can be heard throughout the North Beach neighborhood.

Free to visit during the day and worth the time to visit even if you are not Catholic or religious just to see and appreciate the magnificent architecture and beautiful religious art...

Saints Peter and Paul Church means more than just a building; it represents resilience and community. It has been a place of worship, a cultural center, and a source of hope for many generations of North Beach residents. Over the years, it has hosted many weddings, baptisms, and community events.

Visiting Washington Square and seeing Saints Peter and Paul Church is always a special experience for me. There is something timeless about this place that continues to inspire. Whether you are a local or a visitor, I highly recommend stopping by to appreciate this amazing piece of San Francisco’s history.

Next time you are in North Beach, be sure to check out Saints Peter and Paul Church. You might want to snap a few photos to...