Churches and Cathedrals in Algiers Point

"The St. Louis Cathedral isn’t one of New Orleans’ most-flocked-to points of interest for nothing. It has a special place in history as America’s longest-running, an active church of the Roman Catholic faith. The cathedral’s history stretches back to 1789, which is when it was dedicated to France’s Louis IX, but as far back as 1718, there was already a church on the grounds."

"St. Louis Cathedral is an iconic landmark of the French Quarter, located in front of the Jackson Square. It is the oldest cathedral in the United States. It has Renaissance and Spanish Colonial type architecture."

"A few blocks from the French Quarter, St. Augustine has been the gravity center of the Tremé neighborhood since the 1840s. New Orleans’ large and vibrant community of free people of color was involved in the church from its beginnings. Often called “Creoles of color,” these property owners, artisans, businesspeople and professionals were several generations removed from slavery and sometimes were slave owners themselves."

"St. Augustine Catholic Church is the oldest African-American Catholic parish in the nation. It is located on Saint Claude Avenue near the French Quarter on the site of the old Claude Tremé plantation. The church is the location of the annual Jazz Mass that is held in conjunction with the Satchmo Festival, which pays homage to Louis Armstrong."

"If you’re down in the CBD or headed toward the French Quarter, one small church lies hidden on Rampart Street. Peering through the doors, you see a rather simple sanctuary and some of the homeless asleep on the pews. The real beauty is to either side of the altar: the shrines to St. Jude and Our Lady of Guadalupe."

"Built in 1851 by the Jesuits, this breathtaking, Moorish-inspired structure melds Islamic architecture with Christian and Jewish symbolism (including hundreds of Stars of David). Massive bronze doors, soaring Arabesque arches, stunning stained glass (featuring 18 stations of the cross), cast-iron pews and columns are among the church’s many architectural highlights. Of special note is the towering cupola, the marble statue of Mary (originally carved for Marie Amélie, queen of Louis Philippe of France, during the mid 1800s) located above the onion-domed high altar and two Venetian-glass mosaic shrines at the rear of the sanctuary."

"Take the famous St. Charles Streetcar to Central City to visit the McKenna Museum of African American Art. The museum’s mission is to make African Diasporan fine art available and accessible to visitors of all ages. They work to preserve the culture of the African American community in Louisiana."

"The McKenna Museum is a fine art institution with a direct focus on African Diasporan pieces. In addition to their collection, McKenna offers a range of diverse programming such as guest speakers, workshops and book readings to further their mission and work."

"Get your dose of nature at one of New Orleans’ two large parks.City Park is larger than Central Park in New York and is home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, as well as several gardens.Audubon Parkboasts the Audubon Zoo and is easily accessible by street car. Either way, both are excellent options for a relaxing afternoon."

"Located in the center of City Park is NOMA, New Orleans Museum of Art which the building itself is beautiful holding a permanent fine art collection of over 40,000 pieces. We will be checking this out on our next trip as well!"

"Gracing the main entrance to City Park since 1911, this traditional fine-arts museum draws from classic Greek architecture, with several…"

"It’s also an excellent place to people watch and where a number of New Orleans’ historical landmarks like The St Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo, and The Presbytère are located (with Preservation Hall and The Historic New Orleans Collection nearby). Tons of artists, musicians, and fortune tellers hang out in Jackson Square and in the spirit of disclosure, I spent most of my time here people-watching and eating beignets. However, if you want to be a little more cultured than I was, visit one or several of the above-mentioned landmarks for even more NOLA history."

"A visit to The Presbytère is recommended and worthwhile for at least three reasons. (1) Built in the 1790s as a matching structure to the Cabildo, which flanks the St. Louis Cathedral on the other side, it is one of the nation's best examples of formal Spanish Colonial style, with a full panoply of Renaissance architectural forms. Destroyed by a hurricane in 1915, the cupola was restored to match the one atop its twin, the Cabildo, and in 1970 the structure was designated a National Historic Landmark."

"Two current exhibits are “Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana,” which traces the celebration from its 19th-century origins to the current day emergence of parades and festivities that attracts millions of visitors each year. The “Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond” exhibit details the rescue, rebuilding, and renewal from the storm that devastated the city back on August 23, 2005."

"Nina Compton brings her generous spirit and natural warmth to every plate of inventive island meets New Orleans and Mediterranean cuisine at Bywater American Bistro, the second restaurant she and her husband Larry Miller opened after settling in Nola to open Compere Lapin in the CBD. This neighborhood spot - which like all New Orleans restaurants pivoted every which way in the past difficult year, feels personal to Compton, and it is. She lives upstairs and is invested in making Bywater her home. She has a loyal following, with good reason."

"Bywater American Bistro from Nina Compton of Compère Lapin fame, is an industrial space that bills itself as an American neighborhood restaurant. Sous chef Levi Raines is at the helm here, but Compton’s Caribbean influences are strong. The result is an eclectic menu with dishes like jerk chicken rice and crispy hogs head boudin."

"Chef Nina Compton’s Bywater restaurant is open for takeout and delivery, serving a revised menu along with limited daily specials. Call the restaurant directly or order here, 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday."

"The contents of the sea inspire the art that covers this upmarket restaurant, from pillars of oyster shells to bright coral crab-claw diptychs and huge metallic fish sculptures. Oyster fans will be in heaven (try those dressed in horseradish), while the easily accessible menu romps through blackened-tuna sandwiches, shrimp’n’grits, fried catfish and crab chowder. Proximity to the Superdome means it’s often packed out with hyped-up football fans."

"Borgne is a casual seafood restaurant inspired by a lifetime of fishing Lake Borgne and the local waterways. The menu is built upon sustainable local seafood transformed into delectable classic New Orleans dishes with Isleño influences. This is the place to find rare Gulf delicacies alongside traditional New Orleans classics in a casual atmosphere."

"Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Ave., (504) 613-3860; www.borgnerestaurant.com. Crawfish bisque is served with stuffed crawfish heads. Reservations accepted."

"Pecan pie is an unbeatable dessert, and the “Lush Nut” pecan pie at Fry and Pie is an unbeatable choice—both for its flavor and its price."

"Arguably the best rooftop bar in the city, the Monkey Board is on top of the Troubador Hotel, featuring artist Gabe Flores’ bright, graffiti-style artwork and expansive views of the city from the 17th floor. Fresh bar bites like ceviche, crab cakes, and carne asada tacos are on the menu along with a couple of fun frozen drinks and tropical cocktails, with happy hour specials for house wine and classic cocktails running daily from 4 to 6 p.m. Monkey Board is open Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m."

"Monkey Board, which sits atop the Troubadour Hotel, boasts an unobstructed, nearly 360-degree view of downtown. The popular hangout open to both hotel guests and locals features happy hour from 4 p.m."

"Deanie's has been around since the 60s - and so have their prices. Big portions and home-cooked meals makes this family-owned place (deservedly) a lakefront institution. Known for its fresh local seafood and warm service, Deanie's is a local's favorite."

"611 O’Keefe Ave., Suite C7, (504) 309-9422; 4600 Freret St., (504) 267-0320; www.thecompanyburger.com. A Company burger features two Creekstone Farm beef patties, American cheese, bread-and-butter pickles and red onions."