Things to do in New Orleans – Visit the Old Ursuline Convent

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The Old Ursuline Convent is one of the most historically significant buildings in New Orleans. Established for the Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula who arrived in New Orleans from Rouen, France in the 1720s, the walled complex consists of a handful of buildings—the oldest of which is the main building dating to the early-1750s.  

New Orleans fire of 1788 map.jpg
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=761131

Having survived the fires of 1788 and 1794, this National Historic Landmark is the last structure remaining from the days of French rule; it’s also reportedly the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley. The convent, under the direction of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, in addition to being used as a venue for weddings, is open to the public for self-guided tours. However, ticket prices are rather high considering the simplicity of the exhibits.  So, if historical religious sites are not your thing, you may want to skip this one.

Entrance Gatehouse Ursuline Convent New Orleans

To begin your tour of the complex, which includes a visit to the main building (ground floor), courtyards, and the adjoining Church of Saint Mary, purchase your entrance ticket at the gatehouse and make your way across the courtyard to the main building. 

Built to replace the first convent on this site (that reportedly succumbed to the local weather some time in the 1740s), this wide, two-story grey building served initially as the nuns’ residence. Over time, the building came to house an orphanage and Catholic boys’ school. The convent building has also served as the seat of the Louisiana legislature (in the 1830s), a bishop’s residence, archdiocese administrative offices and archives, and (since 2004) as the Catholic Cultural Heritage Center of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Cypress Staircase Ursuline Convent New Orleans

Entering through the central foyer, you’ll see the cypress staircase with wrought iron banister. 

Ursuline Room Ursuline Convent New Orleans

From here you’ll have access to the ground floor rooms, such as the Ursuline Room (formerly the orphan’s dining room), which serve as exhibition space.

Statue of St Mary Ursuline Convent New Orleans

The various Items you may see on display include a statue of Mary from the Ursuline Convent in Rouen, France;

Pharmaceutical Bottles Ursuline Convent New Orleans

a small collection of objects and artifacts, such as archival documents reflecting the history of the convent, and glass bottles and medicinal supplies used by the nuns to treat patients in the Royal Hospital.

Shrine of the Order of St Lazarus Ursuline Convent New Orleans

Just past the Ursuline Room, you’ll see the small chapel that serves as the National Shrine of the Order of Saint Lazarus.  Decorative features here include an altar adorned with a giant scallop shell; a monochrome bas-relief depicting the raising of Lazarus, created by sculptor Charles Reinike III; bas-reliefs of the Grand Priory coats of arms; and flags and banners of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem.

Church of St Mary Ursuline Convent New Orleans

Passing through the chapel, make your way to the adjoining Church of Saint Mary. This mid-19th century church dedicated to Our Lady of Victory and built on the site of a previous chapel, served as the bishop’s place of worship and is referred to by many as Saint Mary’s Italian Church (for its predominantly Italian-American congregation).

Altar Church of St Mary Ursuline Convent New Orleans

The interior features a marble altar adorned with Corinthian columns and statues of angels, painted ceilings (notice the coat of arms of the Archdiocese of New Orleans at the center), stained glass windows,

Interior Church of St Mary Ursuline Convent New Orleans

the original 19th century organ above the main entrance, and several painted statues,

Statue of St Michael Church of St Mary Ursuline Convent New Orleans

such as Saints Michael,

Statue of St Rosalia Church of St Mary Ursuline Convent New Orleans

and Rosalia of Palermo.

Baptistry Church of St Mary Ursuline Convent New Orleans

The baptistry, to the right of the main entrance, features an ornate baptismal font behind which is a fleur-de-lis emblazoned spiral staircase leading to the choir loft.

After visiting the church, make your way back through the convent to the back garden.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor Mosaic Ursuline Convent New Orleans

Though a large white tent obscures the majority of the view, you can stroll along the perimeter to see the colorful mosaic on the back wall of the complex. Dedicated to Our Lady of Prompt Succor, the mosaic was created in 1997 by Florentine glass artist Professor Sergio Papucci.

Kitchen Building Ursuline Convent New Orleans

Stroll along the wall to the opposite side of the tent where you’ll see the double-galleried building (not currently open to the public) built for the nuns to serve as the convent kitchen.

Gatehouse Ursuline Convent New Orleans

Your tour ends here. Now make your way back through the convent to the front courtyard and exit through the gatehouse. 

Getting there:

The Ursuline Convent is located at 1112 Chartres Street, a 5-minute walk from Jackson Square.

Ticket Info:

Adult Admission = $8.00; self-guided tour

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  1. By Things to do in New Orleans, visit the Old Ursu... 1 Oct ’16 at 2:25 pm

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