The church was constructed using reinforced concrete, making it one of the first major buildings in San Francisco to utilize this technology following the 1906 earthquake.
The interior contains a 1928 Casavant organ consisting of over 5,000 pipes.
The stained glass windows were crafted in Munich, Germany, and imported shortly before the onset of World War I.
The current site at 650 Parker Avenue was specifically chosen to be situated on the highest point of the university campus.
The building's design was influenced by the Church of the Gesù in Rome, the mother church of the Jesuit order.
St. Ignatius Church is a prominent Jesuit parish church located on the campus of the University of San Francisco. Completed in 1914, the building is designed in the Italian Renaissance style with a prominent cruciform floor plan. The interior features high vaulted ceilings, expansive stained glass windows, and a marble altar that serves as the visual centerpiece. It is the third iteration of the church, as the original 1855 and 1880 structures were destroyed or relocated. The dome, rising 181 feet, is a visible landmark in the Lone Mountain neighborhood. The church serves both a local parish congregation and the academic community of the university. The interior walls are decorated with intricate moldings and elaborate frescoes reflective of the early 20th-century Jesuit aesthetic.
From the center aisle looking toward the main altar to capture the scale of the vaulted ceiling and the dome.
Visit during the early afternoon to take advantage of the natural light streaming through the stained glass.
Walk around the exterior perimeter to see the contrast between the ornate front facade and the surrounding university architecture.
Check the parish calendar before visiting, as the church occasionally closes for private university ceremonies or weddings.
Do not attempt to enter the church during wedding ceremonies or funerals if you are not a guest.
May have limited access during university breaks or private events; typically remains open for daily prayer.
Maintain a quiet demeanor, remove hats, and avoid photography during active worship services.
