Tag: Jackson Square

The St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana

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Located in Jackson Square in New Orleans is the St. Louis Cathedral. The cathedral dominates the skyline as you walk around the square or along the waterfront. We had visited during the holidays, so the interior of the church was decorated for Christmas, adding to the beauty of cathedral. Although there has been a church on the grounds since 1721, the St. Louis Cathedral was constructed between 1789 and the initial completion occurred in December of 1794. There were many enhancements to the cathedral over the years, including the addition of a clock and bells.

Jackson Square, Andrew Jackson’s Statue, and the St. Louis Cathedral
The Cathedral Organ
The Altar Display
The Baptistry

In 1964, the St. Louis Cathedral was dedicated as a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI. There is a statue of Andrew Jackson across from the cathedral to commemorate his triumph over the British which occurred there. The ceilings of the cathedral have wonderful artwork, which is quite beautiful to see. One of the most fascinating features within the cathedral is the Scallop Shell Pulpit that allows the voice of the speaker to bounce off of the soundboard and back towards the congregation.

St. Louis Cathedral
Ornate Ceiling
Scallop Shell Pulpit
The Cathedral Interior

Although the cathedral has actually been rebuilt three times, it is the oldest continually active cathedral in the United States. Needless to say, there are many places to see when planning a visit to New Orleans, but seeing the St. Louis Cathedral should certainly be on your itinerary. You will likely find many different performers and people selling local art in the courtyard outside of the church entrance.

At the Edge of the Park
Walking into Jackson Square
Looking Up at the Clock Tower
Nativity Scene Inside the Cathedral
Stained Glass Window
Joan of Arc Statue

Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana

On By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Louisiana5 Comments

While Bourbon Street might be the heart of the French Quarter during the night, Jackson Square is the heart of the French Quarter during the day. With many different local artists performing and selling local items, the area is full of activity throughout the day. The St. Louis Cathedral is also there as well as the Cabildo, which is a museum reflecting the history of region. There are also many different restaurants on the streets surrounding Jackson Square offering some of the best food in New Orleans. Needless to say, being a location that draws so many tourists, there are also a variety of stores that sell a wide variety of items that represent New Orleans.

Jackson Square, Andrew Jackson’s Statue, and the St. Louis Cathedral

Crowds Watching a Performer

As different artists perform, from musicians, magicians, and jugglers, to acrobats and dancers, crowds gather around making it difficult to make your way through the area. As one artist finishes their performance, another will immediately start setting up near by. Many of these performances at Jackson Square are quite entertaining and they make their living from the tips that they receive once their performance is over. Because it is their source of income, they can be quite aggressive as they ask for people to pay for the performance that they just watched.

Artists Selling Artwork

St. Louis Cathedral

The focal point of Jackson Square is the park with its statue of Andrew Jackson on his horse. There are many benches within the park where you can sit and relax away from the noise of the people gathered in front of the cathedral. There are also several flower beds and shade trees, although we were there during December, so they weren’t all in bloom. In addition to the artists performing, you will find artists selling paintings and crafts all along the fence that surrounds the park. Depending upon your taste, you can likely find something interesting if you are looking for something original.

Performers Just Gathering a Crowd

At the Edge of the Park

Jackson Square will certainly be quite crowded throughout the day as throngs of crowds flock their to visit the park, see the performers, and go into the cathedral. It is certainly one of the more family friendly areas within the French Quarter and you can certainly spend a couple of hours in the area. It is also right by the Mississippi River and you can go on a riverboat cruise following your time in Jackson Square. Additionally, there are horse-drawn carriages offering to take you on tours of the French Quarter.

Shade Trees and Vendor Carts

Walking into Jackson Square