New Orleans Religious Museums

Did you know Louisiana is the only state that has “parishes” instead of counties? Back when Louisiana was ruled by the predominantly Catholic French, officials divided territories based on different church communities called “paroisse” or parishes in English. Today, although only the name remains, the city is still in tune with its extensive religious background and history. Find out more at these historical New Orleans sites.

(Sponsored listings appear first in yellow)

National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos
2030 Constance St., Across from St. Alphonsus Church, New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 525-2495
www.seelos.org

Neighborhood: Uptown/Garden District
Attraction Type/s: Museum

Description: The National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos is located in St. Mary’s Assumption Church, the first German Catholic Church in New Orleans and in the state of Louisiana. In 2000, the Catholic Church beatified Father Seelos, making him one step away from sainthood. Many miracles are attributed to his intercession both during his life and after his death.

Old Ursuline Convent
1100 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70116 [Map It]
(504) 529-3040

Neighborhood: French Quarter
Attraction Type/s: Museum, Historic Building

Description: Ursuline Convent is the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley. Completed in 1752, it is also the oldest surviving example of the French colonial period in the United States. Often referred to as the Archbishop Antoine Blanc Memorial Complex, the Old Ursuline Convent also houses the Archdiocesan archives. The building is known as the "treasure of the archdiocese".