St. Mary's Assumption

Description:

• Built in 1860 by the German Catholics, this is an even more baroque and grand church than its Irish neighbor across the street, complete with dozens of life-size saints' statues. The two churches make an interesting contrast to each other. Also inside the church is the national shrine for the hero of the 1867 yellow-fever epidemic, Blessed Fr. Francis Xavier Seelos, who was beatified (one step away from sainthood) in 2000. Here you can see his original coffin, a portrait, some of his personal belongings, a display containing newly discovered locks of his hair, and the centerpiece of the shrine, a reliquary containing his bodily remains. Should he become a saint, expect this shrine to be an even bigger deal and place of pilgrimage than it already is. Still more of Anne Rice's Witching Hour action takes place here, including Rowan and Michael's wedding. The church had over $1 million worth of damage (though Seelos's reliquary came through fine), but with a new roof, hopes are high for the interior work necessary.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010