new orleans church tours

Church Tours of New Orleans​Tours of Catholic Churches 

What's in a tour.....

"Wonderful church tour guide. Got to see three beautiful churches. Learned so much about Louisiana history, the role of the Church and clergy. Will be recommending to any of my friends who will be coming here."

-Debbie G., San Antonio, Texas 2018

"Great informative church tour!! Would recommend this tour to all! My husband & I learned so much about the Church's history in New Orleans and Anthony was so informative and took his time explaining it to us. The churches are beautifully breathtaking! So glad we took this church tour!! Thank you Anthony."

-Trudy and Roy, San Antonio, Texas

Come be inspired

CHURCH TOURS OF NEW ORLEANS

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Dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Church Tours of New Orleans  is unique!

Whether you are interested in viewing the stunning art and architecture of some of the most historically significant Catholic churches in New Orleans or looking for a more introspective visit to view sacred shrines and relics, we offer what is sure to be a spiritual highlight of your visit to New Orleans.

Thank you for visiting our site. We would like to hear from you! Please let us know what your needs are and any questions you may have? We will be more than happy to help. Our tours include...

• Historical Information
• Spiritually Uplifting 
• Time for Exploration/Meditation
• Large or Small Groups
• Half Day or Full Day, we can also arrange lunch at some of the best local eateries!

We will typically visit three or four churches/shrines such as Old St. Patrick's Catholic Church,

St. Mary's Assumption Church which is home to the National Shrine of Blessed Francis X. Seelos,

St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

“If you’re interested in Church history and architecture in New Orleans, this is the tour for you!  It was the highlight of our 10th Anniversary trip to New Orleans.”

– Mike and Rebecca, Tallahassee, Florida

Copyright Church Tours of New Orleans. All rights reserved.

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St. Louis Cathedral

• 615 Pere Antoine Aly., New Orleans, LA 70116 ( Directions ) | P: (504) 525-9585
• 615 Pere Antoine Aly., New Orleans, LA 70116 ( Directions ) P: (504) 525-9585
• 615 Pere Antoine Aly. New Orleans, LA 70116 ( Directions ) P: (504) 525-9585
• Visit Website
• Neighborhood: French Quarter

Mass: Saturday 5pm, Sunday 9am & 11am, Weekdays 12pm/ Tours: Wednesday -Saturday 1pm-4pm

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• Admission: No charge

Facing Jackson Square and flanked by the historic Cabildo on one side and the equally historic Presbytere on the other, St. Louis Cathedral is among the tallest and most imposing structures in the French Quarter. And one of the most recognizable. It has been seen in hundreds of movies, TV shows and other visual presentations and it is a local and international architectural icon.

As the mother church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, St. Louis Cathedral has a long and interesting history. It is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States, originally built in 1727 and dedicated to King Louis IX of France, "The Crusading King" who was later canonized by the Church. The original St. Louis Cathedral burned during the great fire of 1794 and was rebuilt. The present structure was completed in the 1850s.

In September 1987 the cathedral witnessed the historic visit of Pope John Paul II and the plaza directly in front of the church was renamed in the pope's honor. Shortly afterward the status of the Cathedral was upgraded to a Basilica.

Exterior Features

The towering center spire of St. Louis Cathedral, complimented by two smaller spires on each side and a perfectly symmetrical façade opening up to a pedestrians-only plaza has been a favorite subject for painters, photographers and filmmakers for many years. Viewed from Jackson Square, with the statue of Andrew Jackson in the foreground, this is possibly the single visual image most closely associated with New Orleans.

At the rear of the Cathedral is the St. Anthony Garden dominated by a statue of Jesus with His arms upraised. At night, floodlights project an imposing shadow from the statue onto the Cathedral - a particularly awe-inspiring sight. The front is also lit up at night, illuminating the Cathedral's powerful presence in the heart of the French Quarter. It is one of the cultural and architectural treasures of the French Quarter and no trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to St. Louis Cathedral.

Interior Features

Although it is a Catholic house of worship, the rich history and beautiful design of St. Louis Cathedral appeals to visitors of all faiths and nationalities. The interior is open for self-guided tours when masses and other functions such as weddings or funerals are not going on. The stained glass windows and paintings in the church are extraordinary works of art, as is the Rococo-style, gilded altar that graces the front of the church.

Those coming to St. Louis Cathedral to worship can purchase religious items in the church's gift shop, with all proceeds going to the maintenance and upkeep of the historic structure.

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St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans

There is a lot to see and do both in and around the St. Louis Cathedral.

This post will provide details about planning a trip to this location, attending mass, taking a tour, and seeing all of the attractions you will find nearby.

• Plan Your Visit
• Take a Tour
• Attend Mass
• Nearby Attractions
• Nearby Museums
• Things To Do in New Orleans

PLAN YOUR VISIT

St. Louis Cathedral is located in the heart of the French Quarter , and you can expect it to get pretty busy during certain times of the week.

This section will help you plan your trip with details such as operational hours, the best times to visit, and what to expect.

Why Visit St. Louis Cathedral?

With a history that stretches back to the 1720s, this is one of the most notable buildings in all of New Orleans.

Residents have been worshipping on this site for almost 300 years, making the St. Louis Cathedral one of the oldest structures in the city.

This is also considered to be the oldest Catholic Cathedral in the United States.

Sadly, the original church has long since been destroyed.

The current design for the St. Louis Cathedral was completed in the mid-1850s, with several notable touches added during the early 1800s.

There have been many renovations made since then, but the building’s structure remains largely as it has been for hundreds of years.

Here are just a few of the attractions you might want to see either at or right next to the church.

• The Clock Tower

Jackson Square

Andrew jackson monument, st. anthony’s garden, pirate alley.

For more locations to visit, check our nearby attractions section below .

Best Time to Visit

St. Louis Cathedral is actually pretty quiet most of the time, but there is one time when you can expect a lot more people than usual – during Mass.

If you visit on a weekday, chances are that you won’t have any trouble seeing and enjoying everything at this historic site.

You are free to come anytime you like, but if you want to go inside, keep their operational hours in mind.

St. Louis Cathedral Hours

• 8:30 am – 4 pm
• Saturday Mass: 5 pm
• Sunday Mass: 9 am and 11 am

Although mass can be a very busy time to visit, Catholic travelers might still want to consider attending this event.

After all, it’s not every day that you get to attend mass at the oldest Catholic cathedral in the United States.

For more details on this opportunity, check our section on attending mass. Plan on showing up at least half an hour before it starts in order to get a good seat.

Visitors who want to tour the site or take a look around should consider coming at times when the church isn’t very busy.

As with most historic sites in New Orleans, you can expect this location to be less crowded during the early morning and late afternoon between the hours of 8:30 am – 10 am or 2 pm – 4 pm .

If you plan to take a look around during the weekend, make sure that you visit before 5 pm on Saturday and after 2 pm on Sunday.

You should also keep an eye on their event calendar and avoid any big happenings if you just want to see the church. 

What to Expect

With everything there is to see and do at St. Louis Cathedral and all the nearby attractions, you could easily spend a lot of time here.

That being said, most people won’t spend a lot of time at the church.

According to most visitors, you should plan on looking around and taking everything in for anywhere from 30-60 minutes .

Visitors who just want to look around are free to do so without purchasing a ticket.

You are not required to pay anything to enter the St. Louis Cathedral, but you will need to keep their operational hours in mind. 

Although they don’t typically offer tours, there is a very affordable self-guided tour you can take.

They do offer a docent-led tour as well, but this is typically impromptu and not a scheduled event.

You’ll find more information about tours below . 

How to Get Here

You’ll find the St. Louis Cathedral right across the street from Jackson Square.  Use this map for specific directions to this historic landmark.

Due to its central location in the French Quarter, many readers will find walking to be the best option.

The St. Louis Cathedral is a stop on our guided tour of the French Quarter , our ghost tour, as well as our audio tour and our self-guided tour , so let us guide you here.

The closest bus stop (servicing lines #5 and #55) can be found on the south end of this park, and this is also the general location where hop-on-hop-off bus tours will make a stop.

If you’re looking for more details, make sure to read our New Orleans bus tours post .

Alternatively, you can also take the streetcar to get here.

The closest streetcar stop services line #49 and it can be found at St. Anne Street, roughly 5 blocks northwest of the St. Louis Cathedral.

For more details on this option, check our post about riding the streetcar in New Orleans .

TAKE A SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Visitors who want to take a tour of St. Louis Cathedral can grab a brochure at the entrance which is offered to guests who provide a $1 donation .

This brochure acts as their self-guided tour, providing a plethora of information about both the history and the architecture of the church.

In addition to all of the detail you can see outside, you will also find a lot to appreciate in the building as well.

There are several stained glass windows, murals, and artwork depicting scenes from the life of Saint Louis.

You’ll also find quite a few statues of famous figures from throughout the history of the Catholic church.

St. Louis Cathedral will offer a docent-guided tour from time to time, but it’s completely impromptu and impossible to schedule before arriving.

If you’re looking for more tours of the area, you may want to consider our pay-what-you-want guided French Quarter walking tour .

This trek will take you right to the St. Louis Cathedral and our guides will provide a lot of wonderful information about the church.

We also offer this walk as a self-guided  GPS-enabled audio tour that you can take any time you like. 

ATTEND MASS

This historic church still provides Mass every Saturday and Sunday.

Although it isn’t usually too crowded, we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes ahead of time in order to get a good seat.

This weekend event is held at different times on both days, so keep the following hours in mind before heading to the service.

St. Louis Cathedral Mass

Saturday: 5 pm Sunday: 9 am and 11 am

There are also special events held throughout the year. As with most Catholic churches, you can expect them to hold mass on Christmas, Easter, and other holy days.

For specific details on these and other happenings, keep an eye on their events calendar .

TIP: If you’re planning to visit during the holidays, make sure to check our post about things to do in New Orleans in December where we provide information about concerts and other fun activities being offered by the St. Louis Cathedral.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

In addition to their self-guided tour, you can also check out some of the exterior features and nearby attractions.

This section will provide a list of historic and notable things to see while you’re in the area.

Located right across the street from St. Louis Cathedral, this square, and its center monument have become one of the most popular places for photographers to take a shot in New Orleans.

In addition to providing an excellent photo opportunity, this location is also one of the most popular parks in the city.

For more information, make sure to visit our post about Jackson Square .

Located behind the church, this garden includes a statue of Jesus with his arms outstretched.

After dark, floodlights project a shadow of this statue against the church which you won’t soon forget.

On either side of St. Louis Cathedral, you will find two alleyways that lead from Chartres Street to Royal Street.

Both alleys have a pretty interesting history, but Pirate Alley definitely became the most noteworthy of the two.

You’ll find a cafe named after the alley right next to the church, and you can also learn a lot more about it simply by taking our pay-what-you-wish ghost tour of the area!

This statue was erected at the center of Jackson Square in 1840 to commemorate Andrew Jackson’s victory against the British several years earlier.

He was on hand to enjoy an oration in his honor and even laid the cornerstone of the monument.

Washington Artillery Park

Found right across the street from Jackson Square, this historic site includes a monument to the 141st Field Artillery of the Louisiana National Guard who saw action from the Civil War to World War II.

The monument features a model of an 1861 Parrott Rifle and several plaques honoring important figures from throughout Louisiana’s history.

The French Market

This popular market is a wonderful place to find a variety of local foods, drinks, entertainment, and trinkets.

In addition to all of the shops, you’ll also find a variety of notable locations such as Dutch Alley and the Joan of Arc golden statue.

The French Market is only a few blocks from the St. Louis Cathedral, making it easy to visit during a trip around the French Quarter.

The Moonwalk

The Mississippi River is just one block from Jackson Square, and you can take a stroll through Moonwalk Park in order to get a good view of the water.

The Moonwalk is a popular location for local artists to show off their talents and it’s just a great place to visit and people-watch in the French Quarter.

Steamboat Natchez

If you want to get an even better look at the river, consider taking a ride on the Steamboat Natchez.

This popular riverboat docks just south of the Moonwalk roughly 2-3 blocks from the St. Louis Cathedral. Read our post on New Orleans boat tours for more information.

St. Louis Cemetery #1

This historic cemetery is located just a few blocks from St. Louis Cathedral, and it contains the graves of several notable figures.

One of the most popular tombs you will find here is that of Marie Laveau, a noted and revered voodoo queen.

If you’re interested in visiting, we offer a pay-what-you-like cemetery walking tour which includes a stop at this location. 

Preservation Hall

If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to hear some great Jazz music, make sure to visit this NOLA favorite.

Live performances are offered every night and you can find this location just one block north of the church.

For more details and information about other nearby music venues, check out our things to do at night in the New Orleans post. 

NEARBY MUSEUMS

There are quite a few museums located within walking distance of the St. Louis Cathedral.

If you’re interested in learning about the history of New Orleans, consider making a stop at one or more of the following destinations.

• The Cabildo
• The Presbytère
• The 1850 House
• Old Ursuline Convent Museum
• Madame John’s Legacy
• Gallery Cayenne
• The Historic New Orleans Collection
• The New Orleans Voodoo Museum
• The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

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Virtual Tour

This virtual tour of Christ Church Cathedral New Orleans comprises 15 stops, with commentary on our history, the architecture of this (fourth) Christ Church, and the art you will find here. The tour is about a half-hour long. Enjoy!

• The beginning
• Gothic architecture
• View from the crossing/ Windows, part 1
• The south transept
• Bishop Polk
• The north transept
• The kneelers/ History
• Stained glass/ Windows, part 2
• The tower…and the chair
• The Chapel, part 1
• The Chapel, part 2: Windows
• The cloister garden

Tour the Church

St. joseph spiritual tour, introduction, the portico, the narthax, church architectural tour, the exterior, the interior​, restoring the crucifixion mural at st. joseph church, new orleans, stain glass windows.

Meet St. Vincent

St. vincent de paul: a journey of transformation: part 1, st. vincent de paul: a journey of transformation: part 2, the prayer of st. vincent – part 1, the prayer of st. vincent – part 2, listen to our homilies, coming soon, saint joseph church.

Sunday Masses - 10:00AM & 8:30PM

Weekday Masses - 12:15PM

Holy Day Masses - TBA

1802 Tulane Avenue,

New Orleans, LA 70112

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Sunday Masses - 10:00 AM & 8:30 PM

Weekday Masses - 12:15 PM

The Catholic Travel Guide

Catholic Sites in New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a city of contrasts, at least so far as spirituality is concerned. It has a reputation for both debauchery and holiness that exist within it. The city is home to many beautiful churches and a people who carry on beautiful Catholic traditions; yet you can find the excesses of the Mardi Gras, shops featuring Santeria items (definitely not Catholic and not even Christian) and other examples that mimic Christianity but are really not.

The atmosphere here is definitely unique and the city is one of the country’s most popular destinations. Some ocean cruises as well as Mississippi river cruises depart from here, which means that you can spend a day or two before–or after–your cruise to visit some of the Catholic sites in the city. Also, weddings can be held in some of the Churches, provided you do enough advance planning.

Cruisers note: since New Orleans is a popular departure port for many ocean cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival), as well as Mississippi River cruises, so you may want to attend Mass here prior to boarding, assuming you set sail on a Sunday. There are two cruise terminals: Julia Street and Erato Street (shown on the map below).

Catholic places of Interest in New Orleans:

Saint Augustine Church

Saint Louis Cathedral

Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor

Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Silos

Click here to find hotels in New Orleans, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor

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Entertaining and Educating Travelers Since 1995

New orleans walking tours, browse our nola tours & book your next adventure with us.

Explore New Orleans’ most spectacular sites and intriguing traditions with the city’s most qualified guides. The cultural history of New Orleans is better than fiction and needs no embellishment. Join us for an accurate, enjoyable presentation guaranteed to shed light on the inimitable Crescent City.

From musical experiences to scandalous stories, delectable cocktails and much more, our New Orleans tours are the best way to see all aspects of the city. Brave the streets of the French Quarter on a haunted tour, visit the above ground tombs of some of the city’s most famous residents or take in the Garden District’s breathtaking architecture. Discover Historic New Orleans today! 

VOODOO / TREME / STORYVILLE Walking Tour

• 10 am & 1:30 pm

Experience Treme, legendary neighborhood and tremendous source of New Orleans, Creole, and African-American culture. Begin your journey from Backatown Coffee in the site of notorious red light district Storyville. 

FRENCH QUARTER WALKING TOUR

• 10:30 am & 5 pm

Stroll through New Orleans’ most popular district on this guided tour – a great way to get started and get familiar with the French Quarter and its many attractions!

Garden District WALKING TOUR

• 11 am & 2 pm

Witness how history and culture are reflected in the use of architectural styles including Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic, Georgian, Swiss Chalet, and Queen Anne. 

Haunted French Quarter Tour

Experience the haunted side of the French Quarter! Learn about some of New Orleans’ most sinister characters and visit eerie locations!

Scandalous Cocktail Tour

Learn the history of famous Louisiana cocktails like the Sazerac and enjoy drinks along the way while raising your glass to New Orleans’ rowdy and scandalous history! 

New Orleans Music TOUR

Explore the World’s Richest Musical City. Experience New Orleans music history and culture on a two-hour musical tour with an experienced local guide!

PRIVATE JFK ASSASSINATION TOUR

Join Historic New Orleans Tours in peeling back the layers around U.S. history’s greatest mystery – the assassination of JFK.

PRIVATE LITERARY TOUR

Join us to trace the footsteps and visit the inspirational haunts of the regional writers who have defined literature itself.

PRIVATE HOLLYWOOD SOUTH TOUR

PRIVATE CITY/HURRICANE REBIRTH TOUR

PRIVATE AFRICAN-AMERICAN WALkING TOUR

Visit Congo Square, site of African slave gatherings, the only place in North America where enslaved Africans were allowed to gather and where pure West African religious ritual occurred. 

PRIVATE CHURCHES TOUR

PLANTATION TOUR

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• We do many tours in the rain but reserve the right to cancel if there's lighting or if the rain is too loud to speak over.

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GREAT Garden District Tour The tour moved along to keep it very interesting. I highly recommend this tour!” - baney3, Fairfax, Virginia

From : Did a broken wagon wheel decide the fate of Marksville? Curious Louisiana investigates https://www.theadvocate.com/curious_louisiana/the-city-of-marksville-started-with-a-broken-wagon-wheel/article_44747a3a-d74d-11ee-a7ba-f70465b6288a.html https://www.tourneworleans.com/tours/

From : An immersive exhibit of Banksy's provocative graffiti is promised for New Orleans https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/arts/exhibit-of-graffiti-superstar-banksys-art-coming-to-nola/article_9f847e2a-ebf2-11ee-8849-578e18129a15.html https://www.tourneworleans.com/

NEW ORLEANS MUSIC TOUR Today, 2 PM Buddy Bolden recolled by Jelly Roll Morton: The 3 Recordings of ''Buddy Bolden's Blues''- 1938/1939. https://www.tourneworleans.com/music-tour/

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Exploring Historic Churches in New Orleans at Christmas Time

• December 5, 2023
• French Quarter Tour

Table of Contents

Historic churches in new orleans.

The city of New Orleans, with its rich culture and historical allure, takes on an even more enchanting ambiance as the Christmas season unfolds. Amidst the glow of festive lights and the harmonious melodies of carolers, the Crescent City’s iconic churches stand out as enduring symbols of faith and tradition. Join us in this blog post as we delve into the stories of three historic churches in New Orleans — Christ Church Cathedral, St. Augustine Church, and St. Louis Cathedral — each infused with its own distinctive history and special Christmas events.

3. Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral, located just a block away from the historic Lafayette Cemetery in the Garden District, is a gem among New Orleans’ historic landmarks. Founded in the early 19th century, this Episcopal church boasts stunning Gothic Revival architecture, featuring pointed arches and intricate stained-glass windows. During Christmas in New Orleans, the cathedral becomes a haven of worship and festivity for members and visitors alike.

About Christ Church Cathedral:

• Christ Church Cathedral is the oldest Episcopal congregation in the Deep South. The church was established in 1805, just two years after the historic Louisiana Purchase.
• The original church building was completed in 1816; the current and fourth church building was completed in 1886.

Christmas Services and Events:

• Holy Eucharist service at 5:00pm on Christmas Eve provides a serene and reflective experience. 
• Christmas Day Morning Prayer will take place both at the chapel and streamed live at 7:30am, with Holy Eucharist service later on at 12:15pm.

2. St. Augustine Church

Situated in the Treme neighborhood, St. Augustine Church holds a significant place in New Orleans’ history. Founded in 1841, this Catholic church is known for its vibrant community and spiritual influence on the city’s African American population.

About St. Augustine Church:

• Saint Augustine Church was founded by Catholic free people of color and hosted one of the most racially diverse congregations of its time upon opening. 
• St. Augustine is the oldest African American Catholic parish in Louisiana. 
• The church played a crucial role in the local Civil Rights Movement, with its leaders advocating for social justice. 
• St. Augustine Church will host a church cleanup volunteer event starting at 9am on Saturday, December 16th, embodying the spirit of generosity and service. 
• Christmas Eve mass is a celebrated tradition, featuring soulful choir performances and a jubilant congregation. Service will take place from 10:00am-12:00pm.

1. St. Louis Cathedral

Dominating Jackson Square and perhaps the most iconic structure in the New Orleans skyline, St. Louis Cathedral is a visual masterpiece and a symbol of the city’s enduring faith. This iconic Catholic cathedral, the mother church of the Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, has displayed remarkable resilience over its centuries-long history.

About St. Louis Cathedral:

• The original St. Louis Cathedral was built in 1727, making it one of the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedrals in the United States. 
• The Great New Orleans Fire on March 21, 1788, claimed the original cathedral structure and several neighboring buildings. 
• The current structure, completed in 1850, showcases a blend of French and Spanish Colonial architecture.
• The St. Louis Cathedral Choir Christmas Concert will take place on Sunday, Dec. 17th at 5:30pm. 
• St. Louis Cathedral will serve as the backdrop for the annual Caroling in Jackson Square event, also taking place on Sunday Dec. 17th at 7:00pm, which gathers the New Orleans community for a night of song and merriment. 
• On Christmas Eve, Vigil will be held at 5pm. Doors open for Midnight Mass at 11:15pm, and service begins at 12am. Christmas Day services will take place at 9am and 11am, respectively.

See More Historic Charm with French Quarter Walking Tours

As we conclude our exploration of historic churches in New Orleans, consider extending your journey through the city’s rich history by joining one of our captivating French Quarter walking tours this holiday season! Uncover the hidden gems, architectural marvels, and intriguing tales that make New Orleans truly unique.

Whether you’ve admired the Gothic beauty of Christ Church Cathedral, surrounded yourself in the cultural heritage of St. Augustine Church, or stood in awe of the grandeur of St. Louis Cathedral, the French Quarter has more wonders to unveil. Embrace the spirit of the season as you meander through the cobbled streets and discover the city’s charm anew. This Christmas in New Orleans, make memories that blend the magic of the holidays with the captivating history of the city on a French Quarter walking tour . Your next adventure awaits!

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SAINT MARTIN DE TOURS CATHOLIC CHURCH 201 Evangeline Blvd. St. Martinville, Louisiana

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• (0.15 mi) The New Orleans Jazz Quarters
• (0.02 mi) Sprouts Organic Cafe
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• (0.21 mi) Buffa's Bar & Restaurant
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With historic roots and a progressive heart, Touro Synagogue is a community that is filled with beautiful contradictions – a grand, historic sanctuary and an intimate, embracing chapel; an active group of knowledgeable sages and a vibrant young adult community; a love of enduring Jewish traditions and a drive for spiritual innovation and forward motion; a commitment to the inner life of our congregational family and a constant energetic force that engages with the renewal of greater New Orleans. Please join us as we work together, making Touro Synagogue a place of transformative prayer, expansive thought, fearless engagement, and love.

Touro Synagogue welcomes and values every individual and family who is seeking a connection to Jewish life and community. We rejoice in the presence of interfaith families, Jews of color, LGBTQ+ folk, those with differing abilities and learning styles, and every human expression of the Divine image. If you or someone you know is in need of additional support to find your way into Touro, please contact our office at  (504) 895-4843.

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