A grandeur of stained glass windows and majestic domes, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is a must-see if you are in San Jose. The cathedral was constructed in 1877 on the site of former basilicas that were previously damaged by earthquakes and fires. It is a California historical landmark that you can’t miss when you are in town.
What is the history of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph?
Downtown San Jose is the home to many attractions, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is one of them. It is a Roman Catholic Church named after Saint Joseph, who is the patron saint of the Catholic Church. The land that the basilica currently rests on was donated by a prominent California businessman. Five churches were constructed on the land through the years and the basilica was the last to stand. The structure you see today was completed in 1884, but the dome took another year to perfect.
What to expect at the basilica?
Notice as you enter the cathedral that there are Joseph bible quotes furnished into plaques that sit on top of the walls. The basilica showcases 39 exquisite stained glass windows and the Odell pipe organ with 40,000 parts built-in 1866 in New York. It is the only organ that has survived in its original condition through the years. It was restored in 1987-90.
Other than the architecture, the structure wins major praise for its peaceful atmosphere, which is often said to calm your mind and soul. The church offers a daily Mass in both English and Spanish on weekends, and you can view the interiors through tours provided by the church. To schedule a formal tour, you have to fill out an online reservation form that can be accessed on the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph’s website.
A tour of the church takes less than an hour, so if you are looking for more to do around the area, you can visit the San Jose Downtown Historic District, which is 0.4 miles away and is only an eight-minute walk from the basilica.
What to expect at the Downtown Historic District?
A designated famous district area in the city is San Jose’s Downtown Historic District. When measured, it is calculated to be roughly the size of one square block. It is significant from a historical and architectural perspective. The historic district also has the largest density of older buildings in the downtown area. Dating back to the 1870s, they reflect the first look at an American city; from the 1890s, they depict San Jose’s roaring years; and for the 1920’s, they give you a look at the South Bay Area’s first skyscraper.
The earthquake that damaged the basilica had effects throughout San Jose, including the historic district. Edwardian and Neo-classical buildings then replaced the old and damaged Victorian and Romanesque buildings.
When you visit, you will experience traditional Spanish pathways that follow a grid street pattern. This street has remained the same to this day, other than restorations, so you will be walking through history.
Things to do in San Jose, CA
After you’re done spending time at the basilica and Downtown Historic District, you can visit any other tourist attractions. Some of the most celebrated ones are the Municipal Rose Garden, Monopoly in the Park, San Jose Museum of Art, and Japanese Friendship Garden. If you want to grab a bite or go to dinner, San Jose offers a variety of options. Depending on your taste and preference, you can go to La Victoria Taqueria for some Mexican fare, Original Joe’s San Jose for steaks and Italian staples, or try delicious local coffee houses like Nirvana Soul and Academic Coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
We hope this guide has helped you plan a day in San Jose, California. When you visit the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph, make sure to stop by andshop with us at Airfield Supply Company. We are a one-stop-shop for all your cannabis needs.
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