Awe inspiring icon of New Orleans

Saint Louis Cathedral which is also known as the Basilica of St. Louis, is the cathedral in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. It is located on the Place John Paul II a promenaded section of Chartres Street that stretches one block between St. Peter Street on the upriver boundary and St. Ann Street on the downriver boundary. While not usually considered the largest or grandest of the city's Catholic churches, this historic Cathedral remains an important religious and social center, as well as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans.

The Cathedral, which is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States, was built in 1727 and dedicated to King Louis IX of France. The church has been rebuilt twice - once due to a fire that burned it to the ground and the other time due to mistakes made during a renovation. The current building was completed in the 1850s. Since then, thousands have come to visit and worship in the Cathedral, including Pope John Paul II during his visit to New Orleans in 1987. While it is a Catholic Cathedral, the rich history and beautiful design of the church appeals to all visitors.

Inside the cathedral are extraordinary stained glass windows and paintings as well as the impressive Rococo-style, gilded alter that graces the front of the Church. If visitors stroll down Pirate Alley they can see the beautiful garden at the back. At night, floodlights project a mammoth shadow from the statue onto the Cathedral - a particularly awe-inspiring sight. The front is also lit up at night, illuminating the Cathedral's powerful presence in the heart of the French Quarter. During Hurricane Katrina which profoundly affected the New Orleans area it is said that

New Orleans hotels range form historic to modern and from Spartan to the epitome of luxury. Of the many hotels in New Orleans it is recommended that to savour the delightful culture and the happening nightlife and music scene the best place to stay would be in the historic part of town.