The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States.

Fun Facts

• Situated in the French Quarters of New Orleans, this cathedral was built in 1718 when New Orleans belonged to France.

  

• It was named for Louis IX of France.
• The original church burned in the Great Fire of 1788 and was rebuilt by the Spanish (who had gained control of the city) the following year.
• The cathedral was renovated and rebuilt again in 1850. Today, little of the original building from 1789 remains.
• The cathedral looks like a beautiful, fairytale castle.
• A bombing incident in 1909 blew out the windows of the building.
• Hurricane Katrina caused considerable damage to the church, tearing out two oak trees, damaging a sculpture of Christ, and tearing a hole in the roof, allowing water to reach the organ underneath.
• Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau is buried in the cathedral’s cemetery. Thousands of people visit her grave every year.
• Nicolas Cage purchased a burial plot here.

 

Vocabulary

1. Cathedral: a large church (often Catholic)
2. Voodoo: a spiritual practice with African roots

 

Questions and Answers

Question: Can people visit the cathedral today?

Answer: Yes, the church still offers worship services and conducts funerals and weddings.

 

Learn More

See pictures of this beautiful church.