Jackson Square is ahistoric city park surrounded by original 18th-century buildings. It's still apopular gathering place for local artists and musicians. This city block-sizedsquare was designed by Frenchman Louis Pilié and modeled on Paris’ popular outdoorcommon areas. Originally called Place d'Armes, it was converted into anopen-air mall in 1971 with local vendors selling food, art and crafts.
Walk around JacksonSquare today and you won’t find much evidence of its colorful past. Long goneare the gallows that once dispatched defiant slaves in the 18th and 19thcenturies. Now you can visit shops and museums in the 19th-century PontalbaApartments, which line two sides of the square. On the northwest of the squareenjoy the peaceful interior of St. Louis Cathedral. It’s the oldestcontinuously working cathedral in the United States. Take in some Louisianahistory at the Cabildo and Presbytère, which are part of the Louisiana StateMuseum and located on either side of the cathedral.
The Jackson Square oftoday is famous for its collection of resident artists, whose works adorn thepavements and wrought iron fences. Have your portrait painted or buy acaricature from one of the 200 artists allocated a spot in the square eachyear.
Relax and watch passers-byat nearby Café du Monde, which dates from the 1860s. This historic café is justacross the road on Decatur Street and is famous for its café au lait and itssweet pastries, known as beignets.
Throughout the year,Jackson Square is host to a variety of festivals and exhibitions. Enjoy jazzbands and pick up some local food and gifts in the marketplace during theFrench Quarter Festival held every April. In the few days before Christmas beentertained by carolers who fill the square. This event began in 1946 andattracts thousands of visitors every year, reinforcing Jackson Square’s historyfor social gathering.
JacksonSquare is a bustling part of the French Quarter, and parking can be hard tocome by. The square is along several city bus lines.
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