San Carlos Cathedral

Great historical cathedral in the heart of Monterey. It’s been beautifully renovated and was originally the military chapel founded by St. Junipero Serra.

My review is not for the active San Carlos Cathedral church services. Instead it's for the Royal Presidio Chapel historic federal landmark. They are both the same building. Currently the San Carlos Cathedral Catholic Church uses the Presidio Chapel. When services are not occurring, visitors can explore the interior and outside facade. There is no charge to walk about, it's free. The present sandstone chapel construction was completed in 1795. The native Americans labors built the chapel. The Monterey Presidio was founded in 1770 as the second of four Spanish Presidios. At that time, the presidio's chapel served for the Spanish soldiers and dignitaries. It's the oldest stone building in California. When walking about the exterior of the chapel take note of the marked lines to the right of the building. Those lines indicate chapel construction (where, what, and when). Directly in the back there is a plaque memorializing where the Oak tree stood in 1770 where Father Junipero Serra broke ground for the chapel construction. The tree was removed in 1905 when it was damaged. But the tree holds important place in Monterey history. In 1602, it is said that Spanish explorer Vizcaíno followed the creek from the Bay and noticed this majestic oak tree. Under that tree he and with the friars, traveling in his expedition, held Mass under the tree and claimed the area for Spain. Father Serra followed Vizcaino's directions to the site in 1770 to establish a mission and presidio. But a year or two later he decided to build the mission in Carmel instead. But the presidio continued with building the chapel. Pieces of the grand tree have been preserved and are located in various local museums. Now let's talk about out the interior. The church doors are left open during the day welcoming all inside. Inside there are paintings and statues including are originals such as the Stations of the Cross, St John, Sorrowful Mother, and Spanish Madonna. As you enter the church, look up and the exterior and take notice of the Our Lady of Guadalupe statue; it's still the original making it the oldest non-indigenous statue in California. Also throwing it out there that there are cameras all over and everything is monitored. So don't be a doofus. Just enjoy and soak in the history.

Spanish architecture and area history. Beautiful and peaceful

This Cathedral was a treat to visit. It reminded me of European travels. It is amazing to have something of such age and significance in the United States. I'm grateful that it has been preserved in the Monterey Community. There are several benches outside and beautiful statues.

Such a beautiful historic church. The grotto and surrounding prayer gardens were so awesome. We were able to enter for a daily rosary. Highly recommend this outing if you're visiting.

San Carlos Cathedral is an awesome little church with a lot of character. I visited for Palm Sunday, and even though it was a packed house, they were very well-prepared. They had speakers set up outside so those of us at the back or outdoors didn't miss a single part of the mass. It was a great experience!

No mention on the grounds or on the website of the cruel indigenous forced labor used to build this cathedral, imposed by the Spanish Catholic friars themselves. It is beautiful only if you can ignore history.

La capilla Real del Presidio, San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo fue fundada por el Padre franciscano Junípero Serra el 3 de junio de 1770. El padre Serra estableció por primera vez la Misión original de Monterrey en este lugar el 3 de junio de1770, cerca de la aldea natal de Tamo. Sin embargo, el padre Serra se comprometió a la iglesia, en una época donde cundía el poder del Gobernador Militar Pedro Fages , que tenía su sede en el Real Presidio de Monterrey y desempeñándose como gobernador de Alta California entre 1770 y 1774. Esta la segunda Mision fundada por el Padre Serra siendo esta transladada a su actual locacion en Monte Carmel.