Szilvia GombolaTake a Fresh Look at the French Quarter - New Orleans
July 18th 2008 05:58
When someone mentions New Orleans, most people think of the birthplace of jazz, or perhaps rowdy parties on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. However, there is so much more to the ‘Quarter’ (as the locals call it), than just the nightlife.
Take a stroll around the French Quarter by day, and check out some of the amazing buildings whose archetitecure dates back to the 1700s, when Louisiana was a French Royal colony. The buildings are a beautiful mix of French and Spanish designs. Some of these old homes are now open to the public, offering visitors the opportunity to see how residents of New Orleans lived in that time.
At the centre of the French Quarter is Jackson Square, which is a good place to start your explorations of the area. The Square is named after Andrew Jackson who led the United States to victory in the battle of New Orleans. It is also home to many open-air artists who display their works on the wrought iron fences that surround the Square. Many visitors have had their portrait painted by one of the local artists.
Overlooking the Square is St Louis Cathedral, one of the longest continuously active cathedrals in the US. First built in 1726 the cathedral has been rebuilt twice, once due to fire and once due to hurricane damage. The current cathedral dates back to the 1850s.
The buildings on either side of the cathedral are called Cabildo and the Presbytere. The Cabildo was where the French and the Americans signed the documents for the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Nowadays it is now a museum showing exhibits of Louisiana history.
The Prestybere, which was completed in 1831, was originally designed as home for the Capuchin monks. This building is also a museum displaying much of New Orleans Mardi Gras memorabilia, from rare historic artefacts to magnificent gowns.
On the opposite side of Jackson Square are redbrick buildings dating back to the 1840s, now home to a number of shops and restaurants on the lower floors, and private residences on the upper floors.
Just a short walk from Jackson Square along North Peters Street is the New Orleans Jazz National Park. The park provides information about the history and people involved in the evolution of Jazz. There is also an indoor and outdoor stage for live performances.
Further along North Peters St is the French Markets, which has existed since 1791, and is one of the oldest markets in America. The markets have a lot of locally made jewellery, but you will find many other things as well such as paintings and clothing. It is also a great place to buy spices or fresh vegetables from the local farmers.
There are many great bars and restaurants around the city, but to limit yourself to the nightlife on Bourbon Street would mean missing out on the beauty and historical significance of one of the oldest cities in America.
Take a stroll around the French Quarter by day, and check out some of the amazing buildings whose archetitecure dates back to the 1700s, when Louisiana was a French Royal colony. The buildings are a beautiful mix of French and Spanish designs. Some of these old homes are now open to the public, offering visitors the opportunity to see how residents of New Orleans lived in that time.
Street in French Quarter
At the centre of the French Quarter is Jackson Square, which is a good place to start your explorations of the area. The Square is named after Andrew Jackson who led the United States to victory in the battle of New Orleans. It is also home to many open-air artists who display their works on the wrought iron fences that surround the Square. Many visitors have had their portrait painted by one of the local artists.
Overlooking the Square is St Louis Cathedral, one of the longest continuously active cathedrals in the US. First built in 1726 the cathedral has been rebuilt twice, once due to fire and once due to hurricane damage. The current cathedral dates back to the 1850s.
St Louis Cathedral New Orleans
The buildings on either side of the cathedral are called Cabildo and the Presbytere. The Cabildo was where the French and the Americans signed the documents for the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Nowadays it is now a museum showing exhibits of Louisiana history.
The Prestybere, which was completed in 1831, was originally designed as home for the Capuchin monks. This building is also a museum displaying much of New Orleans Mardi Gras memorabilia, from rare historic artefacts to magnificent gowns.
On the opposite side of Jackson Square are redbrick buildings dating back to the 1840s, now home to a number of shops and restaurants on the lower floors, and private residences on the upper floors.
Just a short walk from Jackson Square along North Peters Street is the New Orleans Jazz National Park. The park provides information about the history and people involved in the evolution of Jazz. There is also an indoor and outdoor stage for live performances.
Further along North Peters St is the French Markets, which has existed since 1791, and is one of the oldest markets in America. The markets have a lot of locally made jewellery, but you will find many other things as well such as paintings and clothing. It is also a great place to buy spices or fresh vegetables from the local farmers.
There are many great bars and restaurants around the city, but to limit yourself to the nightlife on Bourbon Street would mean missing out on the beauty and historical significance of one of the oldest cities in America.
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