Baton Rouge Landmarks and Monuments

(Baton Rouge, Louisiana - LA, USA)

Like New Orleans, Baton Rouge's character is European in style and features a number of striking landmarks and historic monuments.

Spanish and French influence remains strong in Baton Rouge's two historic districts, Spanish Town and Beauregard Town. Here you can find several impressive examples of southern mansions, as well as two of the city's most famous landmarks, the Old State Capitol and the Governor's Mansion.

Old State Capitol

Address: 100 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana LA, 70801, USA
Tel: +1 225 342 0500
Described as a 'monstrosity' by Mark Twain, the Old State Capitol has non-the-less survived the test of time and is now considered one of the state's most impressive Gothic Revival structures. The building overlooks the Mississippi River and was in use from 1850 to 1932 as the seat of the state government. Baton Rouge's Old State Capitol has even served as a prison, but today it has been restored as a museum to the history of Louisiana and a state archive.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Louisiana State Capitol

Address: State Capitol Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana LA, 70808, USA
Tel: +1 225 342 7317
The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest building in Baton Rouge and measures around 140 meters / 460 feet. Built in 1932, this historic skyscraper features striking Art Deco architecture and is clad in limestone. One of Baton Rouge's most famous landmarks, the central State Capitol commands an unmistakable presence and also features impressive landscaped gardens with formal planting. Other highlights include a popular observation deck on the 27th floor, offering amazing panoramic views of central Baton Rouge and beyond.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

St. Joseph's Cathedral

Address: 412 North Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana LA, 70802, USA
Tel: +1 225 387 5928
Located downtown, St. Joseph's is one of the oldest churches in Baton Rouge and occupies a site that has had a church on since the 1790s. The symmetrical exterior is traditional, but contrasts with the modern interior furnishings from 20th-century renovation, which includes set arched, stained-glass windows and a raftered ceiling.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Old Governor's Mansion

Address: 502 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana LA, 70800, USA
Tel: +1 225 387 2464
Built in 1930 as Louisiana's White House, the Old Governor's Mansion now houses the headquarters of the Foundation for Historical Louisiana, as well as a museum which includes artifacts, displays and furnishings collected from nine Louisiana governors. The house boasts a grand ballroom, marble staircase, crystal chandeliers and French wallpaper. The Old Governor's mansion is also available for special events.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge