History & Significance
Basilica · Est. Present church dedicated 1877 (parish founded 1803)
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph stands on the site of San Jose's first parish, founded in 1803 as the first non-mission church in California. The present fifth church, designed by architect Bryan J. Clinch after fire and earthquakes destroyed earlier structures, was dedicated in 1877 by Archbishop Joseph Alemany, with its portico and great dome completed by 1885. It was elevated to a cathedral in 1985 and designated a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1997. It serves as the seat of the Diocese of San José in California.
Italian Baroque revival with a large central dome, Corinthian columns, and symmetrical facade; architect Bryan J. Clinch.
- •Seat (cathedral) of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San José in California, since 1985
- •Designated a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1997
- •Present church dedicated in 1877 by Archbishop Joseph Alemany; dome and portico completed by 1885
- •Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#77000345) and a California Historical Landmark (#910)
- •Stands on the site of California's first non-mission parish, founded 1803 as San José de Guadalupe
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