Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France stands prominently on Jackson Square and occupies a site associated with Catholic worship since the early years of New Orleans. The first churches on the site dated to the French colonial period, while a permanent church completed in the 1720s was later destroyed in the 1788 fire. A Spanish colonial cathedral was completed and consecrated in 1794, and the building was substantially expanded and rebuilt in the 19th century. The cathedral remains an enduring landmark of the city's French, Spanish, Creole, and Catholic heritage.

Visitors can enter the cathedral to see its sanctuary, religious artwork, architectural details, and historic setting overlooking Jackson Square. It remains an active church rather than a museum, so Masses, weddings, funerals, and special services can affect sightseeing access. Its location beside the Cabildo and Presbytère makes it an important stop for understanding the political, religious, and civic history concentrated around the old Place d'Armes.