St Louis Cathedral
The oldest continuously active cathedral in the United States, right on Jackson Square.
St. Louis Cathedral is the crown jewel of Jackson Square and one of the most recognizable buildings in New Orleans. Dedicated to King Louis IX of France, it has anchored the French Quarter since the early 18th century — though the current structure dates primarily from 1850, rebuilt twice after fires and hurricanes. It's not just a church; it's a living piece of American Catholic and Creole history, and the backdrop for everything from jazz funerals to wedding processions to Mardi Gras crowds spilling across the plaza.
Stepping inside, you're immediately struck by the scale and color. The nave stretches upward into vaulted ceilings painted with murals depicting the life of St. Louis, and light filters through beautiful stained glass windows. The building still holds regular Masses, so you may arrive to find worshippers praying alongside tourists — which gives the place an authenticity that a museum never could. The rear garden, accessible via Pere Antoine Alley, is a quiet courtyard that most visitors skip entirely, and the views from Jackson Square looking up at the three white steeples are among the most photographed in the South.
Entry is free, though donations are welcomed. Masses are held throughout the week, and during those times, tourist access to the main nave is restricted out of respect — check the schedule before you arrive. The cathedral sits at the very heart of the French Quarter, so you're naturally within walking distance of Café Du Monde, the Mississippi riverfront, and the rest of Jackson Square's street performers, artists, and tarot readers. Come early on a weekday to avoid the thickest crowds.
