JACKSON SQUARE

If you are looking for the heart of the city, the former parade ground, Jackson Square, crowned by the façade of St. Louis Cathedral, is surely the place. At various times in New Orleans' history, Jackson Square was a meeting place for politicians and clerics. Designed by Adrien de Pauger in 1722, the Place d'Armes was a military camp, a meeting place for the inhabitants and also a place of execution. The buildings on either side are called the Pontalba Apartments (the two imposing red brick buildings on either side of the square) after the Baroness who had them built after inheriting from her husband. In the center, the statue represents General Andrew Jackson on his horse during the defeat of the British at the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815. Today Jackson Square has kept its cultural and spiritual functions of New Orleans, it is still a meeting place. Across from the square, on Decatur Street, a line of horse-drawn carriages awaits tourists wishing to take a ride in the neighborhood. The Washington Artillery Park along the Mississippi River and the French Market, where you can grab a bite to eat and buy some souvenirs, are also nearby. Finally, Jackson Square is surrounded by buildings of significance, so we've included several in this guide: 1850 House, Pontalba Buildings, St. Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo and The Presbytery. Allow a few hours, depending on your interests.