Facing Jackson square is the imposing
Cathedral - Basilica of
St. Louis ( King of France )
It has the distinction of being the
oldest cathedral in the United States.
the original cathedral was built in 1718.
a 'permanent' church constructed in 1727
destroyed by fire in 1788.
The present church circa 1851
was built and enlarged over the
original Spanish foundation.
The windows while appearing to be
stained glass are actually paintings on glass.
The 10 windows represent the life of
St. Louis
Above the main altar is a 40 foot mural
depicting King Louis IX
announcing the Seventh Crusade
The painting was completed in 1872
by Erasme Humbrecht
The ceiling paintings are from various bible stories.
Organ and clock
The baptismal font can be seen at the top of
the photo.
One of the ten windows depicting the
life and death of King Louis IX of France.
In this panel he is ministering to lepers.
