St. Patrick's Church, New Orleans

Just a stone's throw away from Lafayette Square lies Saint Patrick's Church, a historic place of worship that holds a special spot in New Orleans' American Sector. Now, you might wonder, why is it called the American Sector? Well, because in the 19th century, those savvy Americans decided to build their homes and businesses here, setting themselves apart from the Creoles dwelling in the original French Quarter.

Bishop Antoine Blanc gave his blessings to this church in 1838, and the finishing touches were put in place by 1840. Saint Patrick's stands as one of the last remnants of an area that was once bustling with grand mansions and upscale stores. Back in 1833, when the parish was established, the locale was known as the Faubourg Saint Mary. The Americans, many of whom were of Irish descent, were in need of a place to worship that matched the grandeur of the French Quarter's Saint Louis Cathedral.

Fast forward to today, and you'll find Saint Patrick's holding the title of a National Historic Landmark. It's famous not only for its rich history but also for its opulent interior, boasting lofty vaulted ceilings, majestic paintings, and exquisite stained-glass windows. Despite a significant renovation from 1978 to 1990, it's one of those rare structures that hasn't seen much change since its inception. Besides, unlike many buildings in the city, it stood its ground and emerged unscathed from the clutches of Hurricane Katrina.