|
Old
Ursuline Convent
1112 Chartres
(504)529-3040
Admission:
$5.00 - adults
$4.00
- senior citizens
$2.00
- students
Free
- children under 8
 The
Old Ursuline Convent, designed in
1745 and completed in 1750 is
located on the site of the earlier
convent. It is believed to be the
oldest building in the French
Quarter and is definitely the only
one built during French domination.
It is also believed to be the oldest
building in the Mississippi Valley.
In
1734, the Ursuline nuns arrived to
look after the "casket"
girls (so named as they arrived in
the new world with a chest of
clothing and linens) and their
offspring. The Ursulines had an
herb garden--used for the nearby
military hospital (which was in
the original Ursuline Complex).
The exterior of the building is
impressive French Renaissance but
the interior is extremely simple.
Next to the Convent is St. Mary’s
Italian Church which dates from
1846. It is believed that the city was
spared during the Battle of New
Orleans due to the prayers of the  Ursuline
Nuns.
Every year on the anniversary of
the Battle of New Orleans the nuns
still offer a Mass of
Thanksgiving. The Ursulines
occupied this location until 1824
when they moved their
convent. The current
complex, though not as large as
the original, is now named The
Archbishop Antoine Blanc Memorial.
In 1824 the complex was turned
over to Archbishop Blanc. During
the years 1831-1834 the Louisiana
State Legislature convened in one
of the rooms.
Today,
with the herb gardens restored,
the complex consists of the
Records Office of the Archdiocese
of New Orleans for their
Sacramental Records, the church,
the old convent and the residence
for the complex administrator.
There is a lovely mosaic window in
the church depicting the Battle of
New Orleans and the part played by
the nuns.
Tours:
Tuesday through Friday: 10, 11, 1,
2 and 3:00; Sat. & Sun.:11:15,
1 and 2
-
By Frances Vance
|
