A vacation to New Orleans will include a stop in the French Quarter, where you may take in the sights that are distinctive to the city. The Cathedral of St. Louis King of France, also known as St. Louis Cathedral, is a short walk from Jackson Square. Due to its widespread use in films and TV shows, your view of the Cathedral, with its three spires and a monument of Andrew Jackson in the foreground, is one of the most recognisable in The French Quarter.
Facts
The oldest Roman Catholic Cathedral in continuous use in the United States is St. Louis Cathedral. It is located between the Cabildo, which served as the site of the Louisiana Purchase, and the Presbytere, which served as a courthouse. The Cathedral is built in the brick-between-posts style, popular in New Orleans until the mid-nineteenth century. A centre spire is flanked by two lesser ones, for a total of three spires. In 1819, the church received a bell tower with a clock. A New Orleans clockmaker acquired the watch and its bell in Paris and brought it to New Orleans. The bell still chimes the hour.
The Formative Years
The Archdiocese of New Orleans’ mother church is St. Louis Cathedral, dedicated to France’s sainted Louis IX, King of France. Adrien De Pauger, a French engineer who died before the chapel was finished, chose the site for the church in 1721. He requested to be buried in the incomplete structure, and it is assumed that he was. The old system remained on the site for about six decades before being destroyed by fire in 1788. The Cathedral of the Diocese of Louisiana and the Floridas was built in the same place and dedicated on Christmas Eve, 1794. During the church’s early years, both the poor and the upper crust of New Orleans attended services, were baptised, married, and had their funeral rites performed there.
Father Antonio de Sedella, also known as Pere Antoine, served as pastor of the church from 1788 to 1790 and then from 1795 to 1829. His body was buried at the church.
Years Later
The church was rebuilt in 1850, using very little of the former structure’s bricks and cement. The rebuilding aimed to match the church’s size and shape to the surrounding structures, which Baroness Pontalba designed in a mix of Creole, Parisian, and Greek Revival architecture. In 1915, the Cathedral was hit by a hurricane, and again in 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused damage to the pipe organ due to a roof leak. Inside the Cathedral, there are ten stained-glass windows showing scenes from Louis IX’s life, paintings, and a golden altar, among other works of art.
Visitors
Throughout its history, the Cathedral of St. Louis has hosted several notable guests. French and Spanish governors once worshipped there. Andrew Jackson visited New Orleans in 1840, the site of his victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. In his honour, service was performed at the Cathedral. In the Place d’Armes, now known as Jackson Square, a statue of Jackson was built. In 1847, President Zachary Taylor attended church services at the Cathedral. The citizens of New Orleans praised Taylor as a hero of the Mexican War. Pope John Paul II, who paid a historic visit to the Cathedral in 1987, was one of the most notable visitors. In his honour, the plaza in front of the Cathedral was called. Following the pope’s visit, the Cathedral was elevated to the status of Basilica.
The Best Things to Do in St. Louis on a Budget
Every Midwestern city has its hidden treasures, but when it comes to free things to do. Here are some of the greatest discounts in St. Louis (be sure to add in parking expenses).
1) Zoo in Saint Louis
Visit one of the country’s best zoos early in the morning. On its 90 acres, there are 19,000 animals. Extras like the Sea Lion Show, Zooline Railroad, and Conservation Carousel are not free.
2) National Park of the Gateway Arch
Pose for photos beneath St. Louis’ magnificent Arch (the nation’s tallest landmark at 630 feet). However, if you want to ride to the top of the Arch, you’ll have to pay.
3) Muny Park
Come early to get one of the 1,500 free seats in the last nine rows of St. Louis’ iconic Forest Park theatre on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring the kids for family shows or make it a date night with musical classics. At 7 p.m., the doors to the free seats open.
4) Ballpark Village is a fun place to visit. Head across the street from Busch Stadium to see a St. Louis Cardinals game with fans without paying for a seat. The old ball stadium’s diamond was left untouched by the Ballpark Village entertainment complex (which includes a Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum and Cardinals National Restaurant) so fans may run the bases and watch games on the enormous outdoor screen.