Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels: A Postmodern Fortress of Light

Why It Stands Out

The sheer scale and material ambition of the building are staggering. The cathedral measures exactly 333 feet in length—deliberately constructed to be one foot longer than New York City’s St.

Patrick’s Cathedral. Inside, the space is illuminated by the largest installation of Spanish alabaster in the United States, which filters the Southern California sun into a soft, warm glow.

This focus on light and "the journey" was central to the design, even as the project faced criticism for its high costs, including a multimillion-dollar marble table and elaborate bronze doors. These doors eschew typical biblical narratives in favor of complex symbolic imagery related to Christian mystical numbers.

Beneath the main floor lies a sprawling mausoleum containing 6,000 crypts. This lower level is a mix of modern design and historical preservation, featuring stained glass salvaged from the original cathedral and produced by the renowned Judson Studios.

Among the many bishops and archbishops interred here is Hollywood icon Gregory Peck. The nearby Hollywood Forever Cemetery is another notable final resting place for industry figures.

However, the most significant resident is Saint Vibiana, a third-century Roman martyr whose relics were brought to California in the mid-19th century. Her presence links this ultra-modern structure to the earliest days of the faith.

Before You Go

The cathedral is a functioning place of worship, so visitors should be mindful of scheduled masses and events. The mausoleum is located on the lower level and is generally accessible to the public during regular hours.

Take time to examine the intricate bronze doors and the massive alabaster windows, which provide a unique alternative to traditional stained glass in the main sanctuary.