San Carlos Cathedral is the oldest continuously functioning church and the first stone building in the State of California. It is California’s first cathedral and stands for the birth of Carmel Mission and Monterey, the first capital of California. The exquisite Spanish Colonial style, the masterful stone facade and the Moorish influence make the Royal Presidio Chapel a true jewel of architecture, unmatched by any of the California Missions. Elevated to the status of cathedral in 1849, San Carlos is one of California’s exceptional historic monuments.