The 10 Best Things to do in Central City-Garden District, Louisiana (LA)

St. Alphonsus, located at 2025 Constance Street, was originally built in 1855 by the Redemptorist Fathers to serve the religious and social needs of the Irish Catholic immigrants who began settling in an area upriver from the French Quarter known as Lafayette City in the 1840s. It was one of a number of buildings forming a religious complex that once occupied five adjacent city blocks. Often referred to as "Ecclesiastical Square", the complex included an orphanage, nine school buildings, a gymnasium, three churches, the priests' residence and gardens, two convents, stables, a laundry and other supporting buildings. The post-World War II migration to the suburbs, in addition to the development of low-income housing within the neighborhood, diminished the church's congregation. Steadily rising operating and maintenance costs led the Redemptorists to close St. Alphonsus in the late 1970s. The Friends of St. Alphonsus (FOSA) was formed in 1990 after a small group of concerned citizens entered the abandoned church to view the splendid F. X. Zettler stained glass windows (c. 1870). Noting the serious deterioration and benign neglect of this magnificent and beautiful historic structure, Blanche Comiskey and Susan Levy successfully petitioned the Archdiocese of New Orleans to lease the building to the newly formed FOSA. Since that time, FOSA has held a number of successful fund raisers that have included concerts, auctions, and tours of the building. In 1996, the building was declared a National Historic Landmark through efforts of the Friends, helping to insure its survival. Because of the efforts of FOSA, the building has been made available to the community once again, albeit on a limited basis. Collaboration of these dedicated volunteers with other civic and private organziations has yielded a number of activities which have benefitted the community. St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center is located at 2025 Constance Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Open to the public every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 pm.On-site parking is available.

A grandly baroque church that also happens to be where Fr. Francis Seelos, the hero of the yellow fever epidemic of 1867, lies buried.

A popular, prayerful pilgrimage site to a saintly favorite known as the "Cheerful Ascetic". This Redemptorist priest possessed great mystical gifts due to his intense prayer life. Many miracles are attributed to Father Seelos' intercession both during his life and after his death in the 1867 New Orleans yellow fever epidemic.

A photographic gallery of David SPIELMAN's images from New Orleans and around the world. A wonderful to start your visit to the Garden District.

Welcome to the River City Venues, the most sophisticated and sprawling event complex on the Mississippi. Whether you have an intimate group of 25, or a dynamic group of 25,000, our expert event planners will make your event shine. And when we say the sky is the limit, we mean it—enjoy the stars, the moon, and even fireworks from one of our various riverfront spaces!

Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Come see how Mardi Gras is made and get up close to Mardi Gras' grandest floats and sculptures.

An area of the city that features numerous historic homes.

Bush Antiques is a charming shop with genuine New Orleans flavor that is a Magazine Street landmark. Family owned and operated 40 years plus. Specializing in antique beds; also featuring European religious artifacts, rare continental furniture, architectural elements, ironwork, lighting, sculpture, art, unusual collectibles and findings. Explore the expansive 2-story shop which includes a classic New Orleans courtyard...all on Historic Magazine Row in The Lower Garden District. 2109 Magazine Street. Monday thru Saturday, 10 to 5.