The Presbytere facts for kids
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The Presbytere
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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The Presbytère, seen from Jackson Square
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 Location in East New Orleans
Location in Louisiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 751 Chartres St., New Orleans, Louisiana |
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| Built | 1813 |
| Architect | Guilberto Guillemard |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| Part of | Vieux Carre Historic District (ID66000377) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000257 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 15, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | April 15, 1970 |
| Designated NHLDCP | December 21, 1965 |
The Presbytère is a very important building in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. It stands right across from Jackson Square. It is also next to the famous St. Louis Cathedral.
This building was finished in 1813. It was designed to look just like the Cabildo, which is on the other side of the cathedral. The Presbytère is a great example of old colonial Spanish architecture. It also has many features from the neo-Renaissance style. In 1970, it was named a National Historic Landmark. Today, it is part of the Louisiana State Museum.
What the Presbytère Looks Like
The Presbytère is on the northeast side of Jackson Square. It is located between the cathedral and St. Ann Street. It is a two-story building made of brick. When it was first built, it had a flat roof. This roof had a low wall with decorative urns on top.
The first floor has nine open archways. These arches are shaped like half-circles. The corners of the building have flat, decorative columns. The second floor also has arched windows. These windows are decorated with similar flat columns. The middle three archways on both floors stand out. They have round columns on each side. A triangle-shaped top, called a pediment, sits above them. In 1847, a new roof was added. It is a sloped roof with windows sticking out. On top of this roof is a small tower with vents, called a cupola.
The History of the Presbytère
The Presbytère was designed in 1791. The architect was Gilberto Guillemard, who was from France. He designed it to match the Cabildo. The Cabildo was the town hall, located on the other side of St. Louis Cathedral. By 1798, only the first floor of the Presbytère was finished. The second floor was not completed until 1813.
The building was first called the Casa Curial. This means 'Ecclesiastical House' in Spanish. Its name comes from its location. It was built where Capuchin friars used to live. A presbytery, or rectory, is a home for priests. Even though it was meant for clergy, priests never lived there.
At first, the building was used for businesses. This lasted until 1834. After that, the Louisiana Supreme Court used the building. In 1853, officials from the cathedral sold the Presbytère to the city. Then, in 1908, the city sold it to the state of Louisiana. In 1911, it became part of the Louisiana State Museum. It was officially named a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
In 2005, a new cupola was placed on top of the Presbytère. The original cupola had been missing for a long time. It was lost during the New Orleans Hurricane of 1915.
More to Explore
- The Cabildo
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Louisiana
- List of the oldest buildings in Louisiana
