The French Quarter is full of many
different types of architecture, even though it's known exclusively as the
French Quarter. Spain had control of Louisiana from the years 1763 to 1803, so
many of the buildings are actually Spanish. Much of the original French
buildings and architecture in the French Quarter was destroyed by two great
fires in 1788 and 1794 while Spain was in control of Louisiana. Spain rebuilt
what was ruined by the tragic fires, which is why we see many
Spanish aspects in the French Quarter. When you see houses or
buildings that have flat tiled roofs, bright colors, and iron ornate
decorations they are most likely Spanish. The closeness of the buildings
was also another aspect of the French quarter brought by the Spanish.
Construction of the Cabildo and Presbytere were started while Spain was in
control and it is obvious in the design it was more Spanish than French. The
Presbytere and Cabildo have low more flat roofs and are covered in round arches
which are characteristics of Spanish architecture. The Cabildo was the
Spanish Administrative Headquarters. There are hardly any French buildings left
in the French Quarter. In fact, one of the most interesting original French buildings
is the Ursuline Convent, which survived both major fires. The story behind its miracle
is a tiny statue the sisters prayed with during the fires. The Ursuline Convent
is worth the visit to see original French architecture. Most of the wood is
still original including the beautiful floating staircase. There are many
aspects of French architecture, which includes many of the houses and town
houses in the neighborhoods. There are a lot of Creole cottages. These cottages
are small and usually brightly colored. There are also many French-Colonial
Planation houses that are still standing. Much of French culture has stuck more
in the French Quarter.
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