ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Buildings and architecture of New Orleans

New Orleans is a city in Louisiana that has many interesting buildings and architecture. Buildings are places where people live or work, and architecture is the way those buildings are designed and built.

New Orleans is known for its unique architectural styles, which are influenced by many different cultures including Spanish, French, and African. Some buildings in New Orleans are very old and have been around since the city was founded in the 1700s.

One of the most famous types of buildings in New Orleans is called a shotgun house. These are long, narrow houses that are usually only one room wide. They got their name because if you stood at the front door and shot a gun, the bullet would go straight through the house and out the back door. Shotgun houses were built to fit into the narrow plots of land in the city, and many of them have beautiful, ornate details on their facades.

Another important style of architecture in New Orleans is the Creole cottage. These are small houses that were built for middle-class families in the 1800s. They often have a front porch, shutters on the windows, and a steeply sloping roof. Creole cottages were built to withstand the heat and humidity of New Orleans, so they often have high ceilings, large windows, and are raised off the ground to allow for air circulation.

New Orleans is also home to many churches, some of which are very old and have beautiful, intricate designs. The St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States, and has been standing since 1720. It has a tall, pointed tower and intricate, stained-glass windows.

Finally, one of the most famous types of buildings in New Orleans is the French Quarter. This area of the city is full of colorful, historic buildings that are perfect for exploring. The French Quarter is home to the famous Bourbon Street, where you can find all kinds of entertainment and delicious food.

Overall, New Orleans is a city with many unique and interesting buildings and architecture. From the shotgun houses to the Creole cottages to the churches and the French Quarter, there is always something interesting to see and explore in this beautiful city.