San Carlos Cathedral
San Carlos Cathedral
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
375 within 3 miles
Attractions
278 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
94 reviews
Excellent
57
Very good
30
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Robert D
Omaha, NE56 contributions
Mar 2020
Narrow cathedral but packed full of live. Irish priest and multiple families added to the sounds of this active community church. Moderately plain for a cathedral but the subdued view was offset by the reverberations of the music.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
無名
World9,905 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
... was inside when I came around. He seemed pissed that I came in through an open door when they were closed. I did so saying hello out loud. So he didn't let me see the place. It's beautiful on the outside though, and I snapped some pictures. It's near a school, and the kids outside were having fun doing sports. This place get an above average rating for having real happy life around it. I ain't going to let that sad old man inside ruin my visit.
Written May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaPalm
Monterey, CA335 contributions
Jul 2013 • Solo
....what's not to be impressed by? This is the oldest building in Monterey. It's the first architecturally designed building in California. It was put on the National Register of Historic buildings at the same time as the Statue of Liberty! Founded as the Royal Presidio Chapel by Junipero Serra, it really is the start of the California Mission system...A loving $8Million restoration is of 'knock your socks off' quality. A fine heritage museum with docents is a plus...that and a vibrant parish that's about 240 years young makes this a wonderful stop, just off the beaten path in Monterey.
Masses daily for the interested Catholic travelers.
www.sancarloscathedral.org
Masses daily for the interested Catholic travelers.
www.sancarloscathedral.org
Written July 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
668stephenj
Paragould25 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
This was a very interesting historical church. It is well worth a visit. The inside of the church is very inspiring. You can almost feel the presence of so many that have passed thru these doors. It is located on a quiet street and you have to really be searching for it or it will be a site that is easily missed.
Written September 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E-SFO
San Francisco41 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
When a good friend unexpectedly died, her service was held in San Carlos Cathedral. This beautiful place was the perfect place to bid farewell to a beautiful person. It is historic and old, and has been well maintained. The interior still has some of the original paint work done by the Native Americans. The wood is lovely. It offers respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Written July 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James P
Stoughton, MA43 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We went to Mass at San Carlos Cathedral and it was wonderful! The architecture is really beautiful. If you are in the area and want to attend Mass, this is the Mass to go to!
Written June 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe-Lincoln-CA
Lincoln, CA366 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
I remember back when the courtyard to the church was paved with the vertabrae of wales. Things are somewhat updated today and the Church as been freshened with paint but to go there is like stepping back in history.
Written July 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janjust16
Budapest, Hungary861 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Quaint little cathedral. Very well maintained.
Just beautiful. Simplicity & serenity- 💒.
Beautiful succulents.
Just beautiful. Simplicity & serenity- 💒.
Beautiful succulents.
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mercedcampgirl
Orange, CA1,006 contributions
Nov 2019
The history behind the charming Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo makes a visit worthwhile when in Monterey. Father Junipero Serra first established the original mission in Monterey at this location on June 3, 1770. The church was built in 1794, and the San Carlos School was built in 1898. The cathedral is the oldest continuously operating parish and the oldest stone building in California, making it the oldest (and smallest) serving cathedral in the United States, along with St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The grounds with the 18th century gate and the chapel interior with the "windows" to view the original masonry and artwork are interesting. Please see photos. There are the original stone steps going upstairs that were built by Indian labor (AKA slaves). The artifacts inside and the bell tower outside are worth the visit, as well.
The cathedral is in frequent use, and we had to postpone our visit a few hours due to a memorial service, so a flexible schedule to go inside is advisable! Parking is on the street.
The grounds with the 18th century gate and the chapel interior with the "windows" to view the original masonry and artwork are interesting. Please see photos. There are the original stone steps going upstairs that were built by Indian labor (AKA slaves). The artifacts inside and the bell tower outside are worth the visit, as well.
The cathedral is in frequent use, and we had to postpone our visit a few hours due to a memorial service, so a flexible schedule to go inside is advisable! Parking is on the street.
Written November 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IondongirI
London, UK32 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
This is a beautiful old historic mission. Please take some time in your trip to go see this church. So quite, peaceful and beautiful.
Written August 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are Sunday mass times ?
Written June 5, 2016
Hi - Sunday Mass times at the San Carlos Cathedral are 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am, 12pm and 5:30pm. Saturday vigil mass is 4pm in English 6pm bilingual
Reconciliation is sat 2:30 -3pm or by appointment
831/373-2628
This is the oldest continuously functioning house of worship in the state of CA
Pax!!!! Lynn
Written June 5, 2016
Hello,
The San Carlos Cathedral is small and authentic. It is just the same as when it was first built. No gift shop, but a quiet place to reflect. Photos are permitted except during mass.
Written February 5, 2016
Showing results 1-2 of 2
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing