St. Ignatius Church San Francisco
A magnificent Beaux-Arts church on the USF campus, famed for its stunning stained glass, grand dome, and incredible acoustics.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St. Ignatius Church San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Beaux-Arts church on the USF campus, famed for its stunning stained glass, grand dome, and incredible acoustics.
"The acoustics of the venue were flawless—every note resonated beautifully. A magical, intimate experience."
🕊️ Embrace the Peace
Find a moment of quiet reflection in this solemn and peaceful place of worship .
📸 Campus Photo Ops
The church's spires offer a stunning backdrop for photos on the USF campus .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Stained Glass Windows
Throughout the nave
Vibrant, intricate stained glass windows depicting religious scenes, bathing the interior in colorful light.

Impressive Dome and Altar
Main sanctuary
Marvel at the soaring dome and beautifully designed altar space, a focal point of the church's grandeur.

Architectural Grandeur
Exterior and interior
Admire the elaborate ceilings, spires, and overall magnificent architecture of this historic church.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Free Admission & Campus Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🕊️ Embrace the Peace
Find a moment of quiet reflection in this solemn and peaceful place of worship.
📸 Campus Photo Ops
The church's spires offer a stunning backdrop for photos on the USF campus.
🎶 Candlelight Concerts
Check for Candlelight Concerts; the acoustics are amazing for string quartets.
🚶 Explore USF Campus
Combine your visit with a walk around the beautiful University of San Francisco campus.
St. Ignatius Church on USF campus
Tips
from all over the internet
🕊️ Embrace the Peace
Find a moment of quiet reflection in this solemn and peaceful place of worship.
📸 Campus Photo Ops
The church's spires offer a stunning backdrop for photos on the USF campus.
🎶 Candlelight Concerts
Check for Candlelight Concerts; the acoustics are amazing for string quartets.
🚶 Explore USF Campus
Combine your visit with a walk around the beautiful University of San Francisco campus.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Ignatius Church for its breathtaking architecture, particularly its stunning stained glass windows and impressive dome. The church's serene atmosphere and excellent acoustics make it a popular venue for both religious services and musical events like Candlelight Concerts. While generally a positive experience, some note that microphones for speakers during events could improve clarity.
"Attended an unforgettable night at the Candlelight Concert by Fever: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons at St. Ignatius Church! The string quartet brought both bands' hits to life with incredible precision and emotion. The acoustics of the venue were flawless—every note resonated beautifully. A magical, intimate experience that left the audience in awe."
Oneill Mclean
"Saint Ignatius Church is a beautiful structure with amazing stained glass windows, a large nave, beautiful altar space, and an impressive dome. It's on the University of San Francisco campus and it's open to all with free admission. It would be amazing to see a choral performance here. Outside, the spires soar high into the skyline, creating an attractive backdrop for campus pictures."
Dan's Inferno
"Hans Zimmer movie soundtrack candlelight violin quartet concert was amazing here on April 11, 2025. Beautiful venue for this.."
Maggie Chang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Ignatius Church is located at 650 Parker Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118, on the University of San Francisco campus.
You can reach it via public transportation, with several Muni bus lines serving the area. Parking can be challenging, so public transit is often recommended.Yes, St. Ignatius Church is accessible by public transport. Several Muni bus lines stop near the University of San Francisco campus, making it convenient to reach without a car.
Parking near St. Ignatius Church can be limited, especially on weekdays due to the university. There might be some street parking available, or you may need to utilize paid parking garages in the vicinity.
Absolutely! St. Ignatius Church is open to the public, not just students. It's a beautiful place of worship and a significant landmark for anyone visiting San Francisco.
Yes, it's quite prominent on the University of San Francisco campus. If you're heading to USF, you'll likely see its impressive spires from a distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to St. Ignatius Church is free. It is a functioning parish church and a public landmark, welcoming all visitors without charge.
Visiting hours can vary, especially around mass times and holidays. It's best to check the official St. Ignatius Parish website for the most up-to-date information on public access hours.
Yes, St. Ignatius Parish holds regular masses. You can find the 'saint ignatius church san francisco mass times' on their official website or by searching for 'st ignatius sf mass schedule'.
For special events like the Candlelight Concerts, tickets are required and can be purchased through the event organizer, such as Fever. These are very popular and sell out quickly.
Yes, St. Ignatius Church is typically open on Sundays to accommodate parishioners and visitors for mass and prayer. Check their schedule for specific times.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside St. Ignatius Church, but it's important to be respectful. Avoid using flash, especially during services, and be mindful of others who are praying or attending mass. Capturing the stained glass and architecture is popular.
The main sanctuary with its dome and altar, the intricate stained glass windows, and the exterior spires against the sky are prime photography locations. The University of San Francisco campus also offers great vantage points.
While photography might be technically allowed, it's highly discouraged during mass or services to maintain a solemn atmosphere. Be considerate of the worshippers.
Yes, drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around educational institutions like the University of San Francisco. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for interior shots due to the ambient lighting from stained glass. A wide-angle lens can help capture the grandeur of the dome and nave.
🎫 🎶 Music & Events
Yes, St. Ignatius Parish is known for its beautiful choir and musical services. Many visitors have praised the quality of the music during services and special events.
The church hosts various events, including religious services, concerts (like Candlelight Concerts featuring string quartets playing popular music),
and other community gatherings. The acoustics make it a popular venue for musical performances.The best way to stay informed about upcoming events is to visit the official St. Ignatius Parish San Francisco website or check their social media pages. Event listings for concerts are often found on ticketing platforms.
Many attendees find Candlelight Concerts at St. Ignatius Church to be an unforgettable experience, praising the musicianship and the venue's acoustics.
It offers a unique way to enjoy popular music in a sacred setting.For information on booking the church for private events such as weddings or other ceremonies, you would need to contact the St. Ignatius Parish directly through their administration office.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⛪ Religious Visitors
🎶 Music & Arts Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels and History
The stained glass windows are a particular highlight, bathing the interior in a kaleidoscope of colors and depicting various religious narratives. These windows, along with the detailed artwork and the impressive altar, contribute to the church's deeply reverent atmosphere. Visitors often remark on the sense of peace and awe they experience upon entering.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, St. Ignatius Church is a vibrant spiritual center for the University of San Francisco and the wider community. It serves as a place of worship, reflection, and community gathering. Its historical significance is tied to the Jesuit tradition and the development of higher education in San Francisco.
Experiencing Music and Events
Attendees often describe the concerts as unforgettable, highlighting the unique ambiance of enjoying familiar melodies in a sacred setting. While the music is a primary draw, the soothing ambiance of the church itself enhances the overall experience. Some reviews suggest that while the musicians' playing is excellent, ensuring they have microphones for spoken introductions can improve clarity.
Beyond concerts, the church also hosts regular religious services, including masses with a notable choir. The quality of music during these services is often a point of appreciation for parishioners and visitors alike. Checking the church's schedule or event listings is recommended to discover upcoming musical performances and other community events.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit