Mission San Francisco de Asís, also called Mission Dolores, is a historic Catholic church in San Francisco, California. It sits in the city’s Mission District and belongs to the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Spanish Catholic missionaries founded it in the 18th century during Spain’s colonization of Alta California. They came not only to convert the native people but also to settle the region.
On October 9, 1776, Fathers Francisco Palóu and Pedro Benito Cambón established the mission. They arrived as part of the Franciscan Order. Their main goal was to convert the native Ohlone people to Christianity. In order to construct the mission, the Ohlone contributed most of the labor. As a result, their work helped shape the original chapel.
The adobe chapel, finished in 1791, still stands today. In fact, it is the oldest surviving building in San Francisco. Its simple design reflects both the available materials and the construction methods of the time. Moreover, the chapel reveals the strength of Ohlone effort and Franciscan vision.
Over time, the mission community expanded steadily. In 1876, workers built a larger brick parish church nearby. However, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake destroyed that structure. Because of the disaster, the church needed to rebuild once again.
Therefore, in 1918, church leaders opened a new structure: the Mission Dolores Basilica. Unlike earlier buildings, it featured stronger materials and a grander style. The new basilica served the growing population effectively. Later, in 1952, Pope Pius XII gave it the title of minor basilica. This honor recognized the site’s spiritual and cultural importance.
Today, the Mission Dolores complex includes both the adobe chapel and the basilica. It remains an active church. Additionally, visitors come to worship, explore history, and connect with California’s early roots. As such, the site reflects a blend of Spanish, Catholic, and Native cultures.
Connectivity of Mission Dolores Basilica, San Francisco, USA
Mission Dolores Basilica is well connected by Air, Rail, and Road to the rest of the country. The city of San Francisco serves as a major transportation hub in Northern California.
Airways
The nearest airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located approximately 20.4 km from Mission Dolores Basilica.
Railways
The nearest train station is San Francisco Caltrain Station, located around 2.4 km from Mission Dolores Basilica. Caltrain connects the city to Silicon Valley and other parts of the Bay Area.
Roadways
Mission Dolores Basilica is well connected by major city bus routes operated by Muni. It is approximately:
* 4.3 km from San Francisco Ferry Terminal
* 2.7 km from the San Francisco Civic Center
* 1.5 km from 16th Street Mission BART Station
Map Location
Mass Schedule
Monday : 8:00 AM Tuesday : 8:00 AM Wednesday : 8:00 AM Thursday : 8:00 AM Friday : 8:00 AM Saturday : 8:00 AM Sunday : 8:00 AM , 10:00 AM , 12:00 PM
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