Entry No. 26 — the Monterey file — filed under: chapel

Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo (Royal Presidio Chapel)

The oldest stone building in California and the only surviving presidio chapel in the state: Junípero Serra founded it in 1770, fire took the first version in 1789, and master mason Manuel Ruiz rebuilt it in sandstone with Indian labor by 1794. Parishioners describe a priest's apparition, altar candles that light themselves outside of Mass hours, and bells that ring with no one pulling the rope.

The move: Slip into the quiet 1790s sandstone nave together at dusk — Herbert Hoover was married here in 1899 — then walk the small adjoining rectory garden where the 'unseen hand' pats are reported before the grounds close.

• 📍 Old Town Monterey
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 550 Church St, Monterey, CA 93940

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Wikipedia · hauntedplaces.org · Official site

last checked: 2026-07-20