Saint Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana
The oldest continually operating Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States, Saint Louis Cathedral was named in honor of Saint Louis, the King of France in the 13th century. Overlooking picturesque Jackson Square in the heart of the city, this attractive cathedral is a combination of Renaissance and Spanish Colonial architecture and was built in 1789 though greatly expanded in 1850. It’s actually the third church at the site; the first was constructed in 1718.
The church faces the Mississippi River, and though it’s not the largest of the Roman Catholic churches in New Orleans, it is the seat of the city’s Roman Catholic archdiocese. It has become one of New Orleans’ most recognizable landmarks. The church became a minor basilica in 1964 and then a cathedral in 1987, proclaimed as such by Pope John Paul II.
Throughout its history, the Saint Louis Cathedral has seen its share of trouble. In 1909, a bomb exploded inside the cathedral and caused considerable damage to windows and several of the galleries. Just a few years later, the Hurricane of 1915 caused yet more damage and soon afterward, a portion of the foundation collapsed. And though 2005’s Hurricane Katrina missed most of the French Quarter, it did tear a hole in the roof of the cathedral. The church’s beautiful Holtkamp pipe organ suffered severe damage but has since been rebuilt and reinstalled. Some landscaping was also damaged as was a statue of Jesus.
Saint Louis Cathedral is always open to the public for self-guided tours. Masses are scheduled to take place every morning at 7:30 am and there’s also a Saturday night Mass and two on Sunday morning. The cathedral’s website lists all other special services that take place throughout the year. Guests can also visit the adjacent Old Ursuline Convent. Open for self-guided tours, this is the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley.
The cathedral has two sizeable gift shops on the premises and each carries a large selection of items including religious gifts, statues, rosaries, prayer cards, medals, candles, and much more. All the proceeds from gift shop sales are allotted to the upkeep and maintenance of the cathedral and other ministries at St. Louis Cathedral. Customers can also buy from the cathedral’s online shop.
Saint Louis Cathedral eagerly welcomes those who wish to hold their wedding at this location including those who do not belong to the church or couples who live outside of New Orleans. Several guidelines must be followed. Couples interested in marrying at the cathedral should secure these rules well in advance of their intended wedding date to insure compliance.
The cathedral also sponsors a concert series which includes at least one concert per month. Offerings range from presentations by the cathedral’s musical groups to organ recitals to concerts by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and even some traditional jazz.
Return to New Orleans Travel Guide Home Page