Jackson Square

Looking over the lovely Mississippi River, Jackson Square or Place d’Armes as it was originally called, used to be the core or hub of the city during the colonial period. It was renamed in 1856 after Andrew Jackson, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans. A sculpture of the general can be seen standing proud in the square. The very detailed and ornate St Louis Cathedral faces the square. Built in 1794 and refurbished in 1851, its interior is renaissance and baroque with many murals and side chapels. It was dedicated to France’s sainted king, Louis IX and was the spiritual centre for the Creole people. To the left lies the Cabildo, the government house which boasts a fascinating museum on Louisiana and New Orleans history. On the opposite side lies its twin, the Presbytere which is the home of the Louisiana State Museum’s Mardi Gras exhibit. Other points of interest are the Pontalba Apartments which were named after Madame Michaela Pontalba, the wealthy daughter of the benefactor who funded the rebuilding of the Cabildo, Presbytere and cathedral after the terrible fires. There is a self-guided tour of the 1850 House Museum, through a period-decorated apartment in the Lower Pontalba building.

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