Topic 7: A Spanish Colonial City

I thought I would share some pictures from the lovely Spanish colonial city I visited this past weekend.  Yes, the French Quarter of New Orleans is dominated by Spanish architecture.  The Treaty of Paris of 1763 made Louisiana Spanish terrritory.  A major fire in 1788 burned down much of the French Quarter.  While some structures were rebuilt in the French style, a subsequent fire a few years later led to new building codes, which brought about what we see today.  These building codes led to Spanish influence throughout.

The Cabildo fronting Jackson Square - the center of Spanish colonial government

Chartres Street looking toward the Cabildo and the Cathedral.  Note the balconies and balustrades with wrought iron railings - this is Spanish 

Bourbon Street.  Look closely at the arched doorways right on the street.  This followed the Spanish building code.  Arches were also all the rage in Spanish architecture.  Note the balcony with wrought iron as well.  Compare the images of New Orleans with the picture I posted from Valladolid. Even though Valladolid is much older, you can still see the elements of Spanish colonial style common to both.