Our Lady of the Rosary Little Italy
A historic Catholic church in San Diego's Little Italy, founded by fishermen, now a restored gem of art and faith.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Our Lady of the Rosary Little Italy
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Catholic church in San Diego's Little Italy, founded by fishermen, now a restored gem of art and faith.
"Absolutely beautiful church! The artwork, stained glass, and tile work are magnificent to see."
🤫 Be Quiet During Services
This is a sacred space. Avoid loud chatter and keep phones off during Mass or other services.
📸 Photo Ops
Visit after services for better photo opportunities. Respect the sacred nature of the space.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Magnificent Artwork
Interior
Stunning remastered paintings and mosaics depicting religious history, a highlight for many visitors.
Marble Floors
Interior
Beautiful Calcutta and Rojo Alicante marble floors add to the church's grandeur and recent renovation.
Stained Glass Windows
Interior
Intricate stained glass windows that cast colorful light, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
Centennial Restoration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Be Quiet During Services
This is a sacred space. Avoid loud chatter and keep phones off during Mass or other services.
📸 Photo Ops
Visit after services for better photo opportunities. Respect the sacred nature of the space.
🅿️ Parking
Plenty of free parking is often available nearby, especially on weekdays.
📚 Book Store
Check out the on-site Catholic bookstore for religious literature and gifts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Be Quiet During Services
This is a sacred space. Avoid loud chatter and keep phones off during Mass or other services.
📸 Photo Ops
Visit after services for better photo opportunities. Respect the sacred nature of the space.
🅿️ Parking
Plenty of free parking is often available nearby, especially on weekdays.
📚 Book Store
Check out the on-site Catholic bookstore for religious literature and gifts.
🙏 Spiritual Visit
It's a wonderful place for prayer and reflection, deeply connected to the Italian community.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Our Lady of the Rosary for its breathtaking beauty, especially after its recent restoration. The magnificent artwork, marble floors, and stained glass windows are frequently highlighted as must-see features. While it's a sacred space, many appreciate its spiritual atmosphere and historical significance to the Little Italy community. Some note that it's important to be mindful of ongoing services and avoid disruptive behavior.
"Absolutely beautiful church! I was in San Diego for vacation and was looking for a church to attend both daily and Sunday Mass while there. I’m so happy I found this church. It appears to have been recently renovated. They artwork, stained glass, and tile work are magnificent to see even if you don’t attend Mass. The Rosary theme is well done and keeps Jesus Christ as the main focus and center. I was actually sad to head home knowing I wouldn’t be able to attend this church daily."
Scotty Hudson
"In my quest to visit every Catholic Church in San Diego county I attended mass here. So far, it has the best paintings of our Religions history. This is an amazing church to pray. Very close to Down Town, in Little Italy. Plenty of free parking."
Juan Luis Gutierrez
"It's been almost 20 years since I attended this church, and it's still as wonderful. Looks like the murals we're cleaned or updated since 2019 (and I don't remember the mosaics on the floor) and it's just stunning. Where there was once a small parking lot and tiny shop, there's now an outdoor seating area with tv for overflow (or taking your pups to church). There's s tiny statue of Mary in the curb, Also, really enjoyed Fr Joseph's sermon, so direct, impactful, honest, and funny."
Viva Yoyis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located at 1668 State St, San Diego, CA 92101, in the heart of Little Italy. It's easily accessible by car, and public transportation options are available in the downtown area.
Yes, many visitors report that there is plenty of free parking available near the church, especially during weekdays.
Absolutely! Our Lady of the Rosary is very close to downtown San Diego, making it a pleasant walk through the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to visit the church. It is a place of worship, and entry is generally free. However, donations are always appreciated.
While Mass times are fixed, the church is generally open for visitors outside of service hours. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for specific visiting hours, especially if you plan to attend Mass.
Yes, the church holds daily and Sunday Masses. Many visitors attend Mass to experience the spiritual atmosphere and community.
There is no admission fee to enter the church. It's a functioning place of worship, and visitors are welcome to come and admire its beauty and history.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted, but it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid using flash during services and refrain from intrusive photography during Mass or other rituals.
The best time to take photos is typically after Mass or during times when there are no services happening. This allows for more freedom to move around and capture the details without disturbing worshippers.
While not explicitly stated, it's always wise to be discreet and avoid photographing individuals without their consent, especially during religious ceremonies.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Established in 1925 by Italian American fishermen, the church has been a spiritual and cultural hub for the Little Italy community for nearly a century. It recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with a significant restoration.
Its deep connection to the Italian fishing community, its stunning artwork, and its recent comprehensive restoration make it a unique and beautiful landmark in San Diego.
Yes, the church is a popular and beautiful venue for weddings, offering a traditional and elegant setting for ceremonies.
The church showcases an authentic expression of Roman Catholic art and architecture, reflecting its Italian heritage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the church is located in the heart of Little Italy, which is renowned for its abundance of fantastic Italian restaurants and cafes. You'll find plenty of options for a meal before or after your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
❤️ Couples
+1 Even if not getting married, visiting together can be a peaceful and meaningful experience, perhaps followed by a stroll and dinner in the charming Little Italy. 📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Century of Faith and Community
The church recently celebrated its centennial, marked by a remarkable $2.5 million restoration. This extensive project revitalized the interior, featuring exquisite new marble floors crafted from Calcutta and Rojo Alicante stone, alongside meticulously remastered paintings that adorn the walls. These enhancements preserve the church's historical integrity while elevating its aesthetic appeal, making it a truly breathtaking sight for visitors.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the church continues to be a vibrant center for the community. It hosts regular Masses, special events, and serves as a beloved venue for significant life milestones like weddings. The dedication to preserving its heritage while embracing the future is evident, making Our Lady of the Rosary a cherished landmark in San Diego.
+1Artistic and Architectural Splendor
Complementing the painted artistry are the stunning marble floors, imported from Italy, including Calcutta and Rojo Alicante. These luxurious materials add a layer of opulence and historical depth to the sacred space. The intricate stained glass windows are another highlight, filtering natural light to create a serene and colorful ambiance within the church.
Visitors frequently comment on the Rosary theme being thoughtfully integrated throughout the church, keeping Jesus Christ as the central focus. This thematic coherence, combined with the sheer beauty of the artwork and architectural details, makes Our Lady of the Rosary a place of profound spiritual and aesthetic experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit