Old Ursuline Convent, New Orleans

King Louis XV of France founded the Old Ursuline Convent in 1745 to provide accommodation for the Ursuline nuns who arrived in New Orleans in the late 1720s, making them the first nuns to establish a lasting presence in what is now the United States. The convent, their second home, was completed in 1753 and is believed to be the oldest French-colonial building in the Mississippi River Valley, having survived the devastating 18th-century fires that consumed much of the French Quarter.

During its early years, the convent provided shelter to a diverse array of individuals, including French orphans, injured British soldiers, exiled Acadians, and the city's impoverished population. The entire complex on Chartres Street, which encompasses the gardens, Saint Mary's Church, and various related outbuildings, is named in honor of Antoine Blanc, the first archbishop of New Orleans.

The Old Ursuline Convent is now open to the public, featuring well-designed exhibits that provide insight into the city's history as well as the convent's own historical significance. Visitors also have the opportunity to view the former bishop's chapel within the adjacent church (not typically accessible to the public) with its exquisite stained glass windows, Stations of the Cross, and statuary. Another beautiful feature is the intricately hand-carved cypress staircase.