The San Carlos Cathedral is the oldest building on the Monterey Peninsula and the oldest church in continuous use in California. Its original name was the Royal Presidio Chapel. It was originally used for worship by the Spanish Governors.
The existing San Carlos Cathedral is the fourth chapel to be situated at the original Presidio of Monterey. The first two were pole and brush, while the third was adobe with stone foundations, all not withstanding the test of time. The current building was completed in 1794. The church became a cathedral in 1850. In 1968 it was again designated a cathedral, the smallest in the country.
Admission to the cathedral is free year round.