What is St. Louis Cathedral known for?

St. Louis Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral and basilica in New Orleans and is among the oldest cathedrals in continuous use in the United States.

Is it free to visit St. Louis Cathedral?

Yes, no admission fee is required to visit the Cathedral Basilica, although donations are gratefully accepted.

What are the hours for visitation and prayer?

The cathedral and its gift shop are open every day for visitation and prayer.

Is St. Louis Cathedral wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair access is available via the front entrance on Chartres Street.

The cathedral is located in the historic French Quarter, next to Jackson Square and facing the Mississippi River, situated between the Cabildo and the Presbytère.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans

St. Louis Cathedral

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, is a historic Catholic landmark and the seat of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, standing as one of the oldest cathedrals in continuous use in the United States.

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What to know

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, known simply as St. Louis Cathedral, serves as the mother church and seat of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. This Catholic landmark is distinguished as one of the oldest cathedrals in continuous use across the United States, sharing this historic status with the Royal Presidio Chapel in Monterey, California. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the cathedral occupies a prominent position on the Place John Paul II. It faces the Mississippi River and sits adjacent to Jackson Square, framed by the historic buildings of the Cabildo and the Presbytère. Visitors are welcome every day for prayer and visitation. While no admission fee is required to enter the basilica, the church gratefully accepts donations from those who come to admire the architecture or attend Mass. The site also features a gift shop located on the north side of the building, facing Jackson Square. Accessibility is provided for all guests, with wheelchair access available through the front entrance located on Chartres Street. The cathedral maintains a rigorous daily Mass schedule, with services held throughout the week, including multiple time slots on Sundays to accommodate the congregation and visitors.

Visitor tips

Enter via the front entrance on Chartres Street for wheelchair accessibility.
Visit the gift shop on the north side of the cathedral facing Jackson Square for souvenirs.
Check the daily Mass schedule if you wish to attend a service, with Sunday options at 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:00pm, and 5:00pm.
Allow extra time to explore the surrounding Jackson Square and the neighboring Cabildo and Presbytère.

Nearby context

The cathedral is the centerpiece of the French Quarter's historic core. It is situated between the Cabildo and the Presbytère, directly facing the open expanse of Jackson Square and the nearby Mississippi River.

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